The Protagonists Are Murdered By Me Chapter 25: 126-130, a 13 tzameti fanfic

Dungeon and Gate were a phenomenon that were ranked based on the energy output they emitted. However, the phenomena known as 'Rift' was different. They didn't have any ranking system and were simply called based on the size of the Rift such as Rift, Large Rift, Great Rift, and Supermassive Rift.

The reason behind it was because it was impossible to assign a proper rank to a rift. While there's a possibility that an SS-rank monster would appear in a Great Rift, there's also a possibility that nothing would happen in a Supermassive Rift.

In fact, the Great Rift that occurred 5 years ago was predicted to destroy a country because of its tremendous energy wave. However, when hunters entered the Great Rift, they didn't meet any monsters and only found a core. The hunters safely escaped the Great Rift without any casualties after destroying the core.

The lowest-grade rift phenomenon was virtually impossible to enter so it was treated no different from normal gate and dungeon phenomenon. However, the Great Rift, that caused enormous casualties every two to three years, and the Supermassive Rift, that occurred only once in the history of mankind, which had left a big scar on the United States, were both closely monitored by the association.

The appearances of the Great Rift this time around had already been announced half a year ago, and countermeasure had been prepared.

First of all, the New Murim League expressed their intention to participate in the raid. As a result, the opinion that 'Murim people must be controlled' had completely disappeared from the world.

However, the important part here was that currently, Murim people on Earth were divided into two factions, namely the New Murim League and China's 'Murim Hohyanghoe'. On top of it, both factions were currently entangled in a dispute regarding the ownership of mugong.

And because of the solution that was proposed by New Murim League, the ownership of mugong would be given to the side who accumulated greater merit than the other in the Great Rift.

So, when six months passed and the Great Rift was opened,

-What an amazing sight! All Murim members of China's Murim Hohyanghoe have expressed their intention to participate in the raid! Do you see their numbers? There were around 500 people on their side!! It's great, it's really great!

Everyone from Murim Hohyanghoe lined up in front of the Great Rift, as if they were going to bet everything on this Great Rift.

And……

-Bang Ho-win has finally shown himself!! As a terrorist who disappeared after causing a terror incident four years ago, quite a lot of people expressed their concern regarding his participation in the raid. However, there were even more voices that said Murim Expert Bang Ho-win is a talented person befitting the rank of at least SS-rank, and would be a great addition to the raid.

A lot of stories come and go. Some said that Bang Ho-win would wash away his image as a terrorist using this Great Rift, some said that he came to show the power of Murim, and others said he came to absorb the New Murim League.

Not all of them were right.

Smiling Shadow, a man who works in the shadow of Murim Hohyanghoe, quietly looked at Bang Ho-win.

He was standing still alone.

As expected from a country who proclaimed themselves as a country that 'does not negotiate with terrorists', the President of the United States didn't share a single word with Bang Ho-win. However, the international Supernatural Phenomenon Association and the International Hunter Association were constantly coming to see him.

"Go away."

However, Bang Ho-win chased every single one of them away. He didn't find any need to entertain them because once he succeeded in absorbing the power of Seol Jungyeon, he would never see them again anyway.

"I think it's better not to be too harsh."

A hunter dispatched from the Chinese side advised Bang Ho-win. In the first place, China's goal was to completely absorb the people of Murim from both sides, including Bang Ho-win.

"If you don't like it, you should go away too."

"……."

Of course, there's no way his words would be heard by Bang Ho-win.

Smiling Shadow shifted his gaze towards the 500 Murim people from their side. They were all social misfits who cannot forget the old way and accept the present. Even after five years had passed, these people still clung into the barbaric laws of the strongest.

In some ways, their memory about Murim was being beautified. Just because they were living on Earth where the ratio of normal people was higher, they were mistaking themselves as a great being. However, once they returned to Murim, Smiling Shadow was sure that the majority of Murim people who stood here wouldn't be able to compete for the title of the strongest.

In case they really were able to return to Murim, Bang Ho-win would also be there. That means,

'….Murim will be filled with chaos.'

Experts who already achieved the realm of Hyunkyung were rare even in Murim. Then, what about a Hyunkyung expert who can also use sorcery? By Murim common sense, it was an impossible feat.

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Bang Ho-win was able to achieve it only because he was extorting the purest energy from countless female experts around Murim. In other words, all female experts who were damaged by him were the cleanest and the purest women in the whole world.

Only after the victim count increased by a lot, Dharma had come to enforce justice on Bang Ho-win. He destroyed Bang Ho-win's naegong before throwing him into a place where all trash like him were locked up.

'You'll be running around with trash like you for the rest of your life, and then die a lonely death.'

That's how Supreme Dharma dealt with every worst criminal in history.

He didn't simply kill them, he destroyed their naegong and let them rot for eternity before dying in the midst of trash-like humans just like themselves.

However, Supreme Dharma didn't know. Bang Ho-win was able to survive and climb up from the bottom of that hellish place. And as soon as he saw the sunlight once again, he unleashed his resentment onto the world. That incident was what the world refers as the worst terrorism in history of Europe.

And four years since that terrorizing act, which was the present time, he had become way too strong. He had reached the realm of Hyunkyung by absorbing numerous old expert's naegong. If Supreme Dharma was still alive, he could have defeated him once again… However, he's already dead.

-On the other hand, the New Murim League only brought 100 people! However, the spirit of Seol Jungyeon, the lord of New Murim League seems to overwhelm all other Murim people!

Numerous tanks, helicopters and armed vehicles were patrolling in the vicinity of the Great Rift. However, amidst the tense situation, Seol Jungyeon was still as peaceful as ever as if she wasn't affected by her surroundings at all.

Her figure, which was calmly looking at the rift entrance with a sword stabbed to the ground in front of her, was more reassuring than any sturdy shield.

However, the one Smiling Shadow looked forward to was not Supreme Cheonma but Yoo Seodam.

He was the man who defeated Supreme Dharma and saved Supreme Cheonma.

Smiling Shadow could see that man stood behind Seol Jungyeon and stared at the Great Rift with pure white eyes that were impossible to discern.

It was matter of course that the U.S didn't only get help from Murim people in case of life or death like the Great Rift. They also employed a whopping number of 800 hunters on this expedition. Amongst them, there were a significant number of S-rank and five SS-rank.

In total with soldiers, there were around two thousand people involved in this expedition.

Since it was impossible for electronic devices to work inside the rift, the tanks and armored vehicles would only be guarding around the vicinity of the Great Rift. The only things that the military bought into the Rift were communication devices made with ether technology that cost around millions of dollars per device.

-C-3, we will enter.

The sight of numerous people slowly entering the Great Rift was captured in a camera worth tens of millions of dollars.

As soon as they walked through the portal, they found themselves in a green, dense forest that seems to extend till the other side of the world.

And, they also saw numerous skeletons that rattled on the ground.

-It's a skeleton!

A frightening voice resounded from the communication device.

Skeleton was a monster under the category 'undead' monsters. Even though it was weak and slow, it was almost impossible to kill it with a firearm. Even when its limbs were cut off, every part of it would continue to move separately. It was a very troublesome monster to deal with.

On top of it…

-Cr….crazy! Why are they so fast!

-Unbelievable!

There were some skeletons captured in the video which had a speed similar to an A-rank body strengthening-type superhuman, and some other skeletons were even equipped with armors and exhibited abilities of S-rank or even higher.nov𝞮𝐋𝑢𝓈𝕓\𝒸/o/𝓂

-Death… Knight…

Death Knight. It was a monster that hardly appeared on Earth. Even so, most people know about them very well. They were widely known as honorable knights who returned from death.

Every time a death knight swung its sword, flame would shoot out from its sword. It was a technique called 'aura diffusion' commonly seen in the fantasy genre. But unfortunately, it was such an advanced technology that it was unknown to Earth's superhuman.

At that time, the Murim experts began to step out.

-The skeleton died in one blow!

-Wh…whaat? How did he do that..?

Murim experts were people who specialized in killing humans and although they had never met a skeleton before, they knew that they had to use their shapeless energy to aim at the space between their joints to kill them. It was a skill that could only be acquired once they became an ultra-peak expert. Thankfully most of the Murim experts who came to this place were experts who had achieved the ultra-peak level.

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Just like the experts, Yoo Seodam also found it easy to deal with the skeletons. Even though he didn't have any naegong and techniques like the experts, his [Holy Conversion (F)] skill worked very well against the skeletons.

"Huh? It works better than I expected?"

Currently, Yoo Seodam was wearing his old first grade ether suit and ether sword. He deliberately left the items he got from the other world in his inventory. Even so, when he merged the holy power with his ether blade, the skeletons were cut off easily.

Of course, he didn't have enough magic power to use the Holy Conversion continuously. But it was okay since very soon he would only be pretending to fight.

While Yoo Seodam was cutting several skeletons.

Swoossh!!

Rattle, Rattle!

Everything within the range of 30m in front of Seol Jungyeon was cut into two right after she swung her sword once. It was only a normal swing, but that swing was powerful enough to disintegrate all the skeletons.

As the unbelievable scene was broadcasted through the video, the morale of the expedition members soared.

It was only natural. The Great Rift was a phenomenon that rarely occurred in the long history of earth. However, each and every one of them was always followed by numerous casualties from the expedition team. So, when the members of the expedition witnessed the power of the mighty SSS-rank Seol Jungyeon, they couldn't help but to feel reassured.

Suddenly, the ground trembled followed by a loud rumbling sound.

In the distance, they could see Bang Ho-win soaring up into the air as he left a crater on the ground.

"M…My God…."

"That strength… isn't something that can be exhibited by a normal SS-rank."

Every time Bang Ho-win leaped up to the air, he left a crater on the ground. It was only then that the expedition members realized.

'He must be at least at SSS-rank level!'

-I can't believe it!

-Is there a new SSS-rank amongst the Murim people?

-It's.. an exclusive report!!

It was not surprising that the people who were watching through the video from the outside were in a frenzy. After all, it was the emergence of a new SSS-rank.

Having made dozens of craters by himself, Bang Ho-win leaped into the sky once again and plucked the giant skeleton's head with his bare hands, and kicked it towards the skeleton wyvern in the distance.

Then, as soon as he landed on the ground, he shot a fierce glare and smiled towards Seol Jungyeon. However, Seol Jungyeon didn't even look at him. Her gaze was focused only on Yoo Seodam.

Seol Jungyeon could see that Yoo Seodam was observing Bang Ho-win's every move just like a predator looking at its prey.

'Huh? Does he really intend to fight against a Hyunkyung Expert….'

For the past half year, Yoo Seodam has been undergoing training directly under her. And throughout the training, he always said that he would beat Bang Ho-win down. However, Seol Jungyeon couldn't completely believe him since he was only able to hold out for 3 minutes against her.

But looking at Yoo Seodam's eyes, Seol Jungyeon realized for sure that he was the same man who defeated the Supreme Dharma, a Shinhwakyung Expert and saved her from her loneliness.

She also convinced that Yoo Seodam was really trying to kill Bang Ho-win in this place today.

'How is it? Did you find anything?'

Yes. There's a minute trace of 'dimensions' on one of the equipment possessed by that man… And it seems like there's one major problem in order to use it again.

The relic of Dharma's Black Sword. It was a sword that allowed you to cross over to another world. But from the information that Yoo Seodam received, it was said that Dharma had already gone through two dimensional movements and the sword was now essentially useless.

'Is that so….'

Yoo Seodam raised his head and looked at the sky. Not only him, everyone had no choice but to turn their heads. It was because something slowly appeared at the horizon, dyeing the whole sky with a dark energy.

That 'something' had only bones left with no flesh and skin. Its body stretched over 50m long with three pairs of wings on its back. A diamond-like claws could be found on its every limbs. Moreover, on top of its head, five broken horns were menacingly pointed to the sky.

The creature's blue noble eyes fluttered as if it was scanning the entire world before letting out a silent roar.·

…….!!

It may feel like it was a soundless roar. However, it was a roar in the frequency that human hearing could not detect. To put it in the language of the Murim people, it was a 'Lion Roar' technique that had reached the extreme.

-···Chiiik, this is command centre. We announce the appearance of 'Bone Dragon'. Estimated grade SSSrank. Godspeed.

Approximately 32 years had passed since the Great War. Throughout those years, numerous monsters had appeared on earth. Yet, the number of appearances of SSS-rank monsters can be counted with two hands. Despite that, mankind remembers every single one of them. It was because, every time an SSS-rank monster appears, it only disappears after creating a new record in the history.

However, today was different. Even though an SSS-rank monster had appeared before mankind, there were two SSS-rank experts who stood proudly at the forefront. It was Seol Jungyeon, and Bang Ho-win.

But, unfortunately, Bang Ho-win didn't have any intention to fight against the Bone Dragon.

There was no reason for Bang Ho-win to deal with the Skeleton Dragon.

-From now on, we will divide into two teams, binding team and tanking team. Superhumans capable of long-distance attack…

As the order from the command centre flowed out from the radio, Bang Ho-win started to conceal his energy as much as possible. He was sure that he could beat Seol Jungyeon as long as he could land one surprise hit on her.

'Yes, let's stand still…'

Bang Ho-win smiled as he slowly circulated his naegong.

However suddenly,

-Chijik! Emergency! Emergency! An expert of Murim suddenly attacking allies!

"….What?"

As Bang Ho-win turned his head in a hurry, he saw Seol Jungyeon staring straight at him. In this situation, he could no longer able to execute his surprise attack plan. He tried to calm his breath as he looked to the distance.

Smiling Shadow was randomly swinging his black ether blade towards American hunters and experts from New Murim League. However, his attack wasn't dangerous at all. It was a blow that wouldn't even hinder normal people.

In other words, he was deliberately causing conflict so that Murim Hohyanghoe would fight against both New Murim League and the hunters.

'What's wrong with that kid?!'

Bang Ho-win couldn't understand why Smiling Shadow was suddenly acting like that. However, what he had to do doesn't change in the slightest. It was to capture Seol Jungyeon.

Swooosh~!!

Suddenly, a lump of energy flew towards Bang Ho-win's neck. Thanks to his instinct, Bang Ho-win was able to sense it and hurriedly raised his arms in order to block it.

"Keuk!"

However, because it was such a powerful blow, blood began to drip from his forearm.

"L…Lord of New Murim League has fought back against Murim Hohyanghoe!"

-China's Murim Hohyanghoe has betrayed the expedition! All combatants are allowed to counterattack!

-You fucking terrorists! I knew it!

From the beginning, there were several criticisms against Murim Hohyanghoe's participation in the expedition. It was mainly because their leader, Bang Ho-win, was someone who was responsible for the terror act four years ago.

However, because the United States was faced off against the notorious Great Rift, they need all the help they could possibly get. That was why they didn't stop a powerful expert like Bang Ho-win from stepping on their soil.

The United States planned on detaining Bang Ho-win immediately after the Great Rift expedition was over.

There was no way Bang Ho-win wasn't aware of the United States' plan. He just didn't care about it since he planned to go directly to Murim as soon as he absorbed Seol Jungyeon's spirit.

However, because of the stunt that Smiling Shadow pulled, his plan has come to a naught.

'Rotten kid!!!!'

Bang Ho-win's strength hadn't fully recovered just yet. That was why he tried to gain the upper hand through a surprise attack, but things went wrong.

-The New Murim League is an ally!

The tiny ball launched by the Smiling Shadow had become a huge avalanche. Bang Ho-win was being pushed back by Seol Jungyeon slowly and steadily.

'Whatever! it's all over once I defeat Seol Jungyeon!'

Yoo Seodam who was watching the fight between Seol Jungyeon and Bang Ho-win was greatly taken aback.

"Noonim, please step back!"

Yoo Seodam realized once again that not everything in the world would go according to his plan. He was expecting Bang Ho-win to launch some kind of surprise attack, but the timing of the attack he had in his mind was completely off.

'The Bone Dragon is still flying… Damn it!'

Yoo Seodam's 'attack using other people's power' was quite famous. When he was still an F-rank hunter, there was an incident where he had manipulated an S-rank monster to kill a runaway hunter.

He also employed the same tactic when he killed Supreme Dharma.

That's why Bang Ho-win tried to attack Yoo Seodam before he could do anything because there's no guarantee that Yoo Seodam wouldn't use his signature move again.

Fortunately, Bang Ho-win's surprise attack plan had failed. On top of it, the Bone Dragon was also paying attention to another place.

However, Yoo Seodam still couldn't believe that Seol Jungyeon was the one who initiated the fight, not Bang Ho-win.

"Noonim! Step back now! I will fight him!"

Yoo Seodam wanted to fight against Bang Ho-win. Even though his plan went wrong, he believed that he would find another way somehow.

However, Seol Jungyeon shook his head.

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She was aware just how hard Yoo Seodam had trained in the past six months. She could never forget his figure who shed tears and blood while sparring against her. However, in the end, he was only an S-rank, and after Seol Jungyeon saw Bang Ho-win today, she reached a conclusion.

'Against that guy, Seodam can't last long.'

Seol Jungyeon knew that Yoo Seodam wanted to fight against Bang Ho-win because he was worried about her safety. She felt good thinking about it.

However, Seol Jungyeon was aware of Yoo Seodam's plans. That is why she knows just how reckless he is. He was planning to take that risk in order to keep her safe. So, naturally she couldn't take a step back here and hide. It was for Yoo Seodam's sake.

'His Saekgong is definitely dangerous.'

Bang Ho-win's Saekgong was a very unique mugong. It was a questionable technique that could not be called 'mugong' with certainty. In Murim, there are so many different types of 'gong', but techniques like Saekgong, which manipulates someone else's mind, are unprecedented. It could easily shake the mind of an expert in the same realm.

Thinking about the nature of the Saekgong, Seol Jungyeon felt that it was natural for Yoo Seodam to be worried.

But, Seol Jungyeon was confident that everything was going to be okay.

"…..I know the activation method of Saekgong. So, don't worry."

When Seol Jungyeon spoke confidently, Yoo Seodam had no other choice but to accept it.

Amongst all kinds of women he had met while traveling through numerous worlds, Seol Jungyeon was greater and stronger than anyone else.

That said, Yoo Seodam had no intention of leaving her alone.

"I will help too."

Yoo Seodam was still only an S-rank. He was nothing but a mosquito in front of a Hyunkyung Expert who had been fighting for a lifetime. Even so, he didn't have any plans to back off even if Seol Jungyeon told him to.

He picked up the radio and talked to Celeste, who was waiting outside the Rift.

"The operation is going well. You don't have to worry, you also don't have to come inside."

-……Okay.

Originally, Yoo Seodam didn't want to bring anyone from Another League. However, Celeste insisted that she wanted to come, so in the end, he was forced to bring Celeste.

As she hadn't taken an A-rank promotion test yet, she wasn't allowed to enter the Great Rift. That was why she was patiently waiting outside. Yoo Seodam felt that that part was rather fortunate.

'If she ran into a monster like that, Celeste could die in an instant.'

Meanwhile, when things turned out quite to his liking, the corner of Bang Ho-win's mouth lifted up.

'Stupid bitch.'

If Seol Jungyeon insisted on fighting together with Yoo Seodam, it was better for him.

Inside the complex mind of a human, there's always a place for an emotion called 'love'. It is a place that is originally empty but is gradually filled up by people they grew up with. It could be family, siblings, friends, or lastly, lovers, who occupy the greatest importance.

However, inside the mind of humans, there were numerous gaps that could be penetrated. The 'Heart and Mind Dominating Technique' used by Bang Ho-win penetrates into such gaps, and fills all the spaces with him, forcing his target to be completely obsessed with him.

It was truly a martial art worthy of being called an evil sorcery.

Actually, instead of 'mugong', it was more apt to call it 'mind control'. However no one in Murim was aware of that fact.

When two Hyunkyung Experts finally clashed against each other, sparks scattered everywhere as the air around them trembled. With his fist raised, Bang Ho-win looked at the eyes of Seol Jungyeon. However, she didn't make any eye contact with him. Instead, she was looking at the tip of his toes.

'That's right, didn't you say that you know about me? But unfortunately, it's useless.'

Bang Ho-win, who had achieved the state of Hyunkyung, could use a variety of methods to apply the 'Heart and Mind Dominating Technique' on the other person. The best thing to do was to make direct contact with the opponent's skin and make eye contact. However, he could also utilize it with just a simple hand gesture or action, albeit only for a few moments.

Honestly, in terms of pure skills, Seol Jungyeon was leaps and bounds above Bang Ho-win. It was because sorcery was completely unsuitable with the state of Hyunkyung.

However, the current fight was more advantageous for Bang Ho-win because Seol Jungyeon had to pay attention to every minor hand movement made by Bang Ho-win while fighting a psychological warfare without even making eye contact with him.

"Heupp!!"

Bang Ho-win kicked the ground and approached Seol Jungyeon like a bullet that had been fired. He realized that Seol Jungyeon was unable to read his movements properly, so he tried to target her blind spot as much as possible.

He mainly aimed for her upper body such as her shoulders, eyes, and head and performed a simple 'hand movement' in accordance with the timing of his attack.

Flinch!

Seol Jungyeon, whose pupils became blank, momentarily returned to her original state in less than 0.1 seconds. But in the fight between experts, that brief gap was enormously large.

'Now!'

Bang Ho-win reaches towards Seol Jungyeon's head.

And in that moment,

Taang~~!!

A gunfire suddenly exploded and a bullet found its mark on Bang ho-win's right arm.

"Keuk!"

The pain Bang Ho-win felt wasn't that great, but something was strange. His skin that had been grazed by the bullet started to harden like a stone.

Even though his skin would return to normal as soon as he circulates naegong towards those parts, it was still very annoying.

'Right… I think it was something called magic?'

Right after Bang Ho-win nullified Yoo Seodam's magic, Seol Jungyeon swung her sword towards him. In front of the incoming attack, Bang Ho-win bent his knee to avoid it and counterattacked by sending an uppercut towards Seol Jungyeon's upper body.

Seol Jungyeon was forced to face the upcoming attack. However, because she was wary of eye contact, she chose to take a step back instead of blocking it.

Bang Ho-win, who expected those moves, swiftly moved towards Yoo Seodam.

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[The sixth sense skill has been activated!]

"······!!"

Yoo Seodam couldn't see any sign or even a preparatory move from Bang Ho-win. When he came to his senses, Bang Ho-win was already stretching his hand towards him.

However, thanks to his fights against Seol Jungyeon for the last six months, it was possible for Yoo Seodam to avoid Bang Ho-win's attack through 'intuition' alone.

Yoo Seodam rolled to the ground as he scattered grenades into the air. Even with grenades exploding around him, Bang Ho-win still swung his fists towards him.

However, when Seol Jungyeon approached him and aimed her sword towards his arm, Bang Ho-win swiftly pulled his fist away and retreated to the side.

'Both of them are very annoying.'nov𝗲𝐥𝓊𝗌𝑏\𝑐\o/𝓂

Bang Ho-win intuitively realized that Seol Jungyeon and Yoo Seodam had never fought together. It was only a matter of course since there's no way a Hyunkyung expert would fight side by side with someone who has barely become an expert. But, strangely, the two of them worked together really well. They knew each other's weaknesses well and covered each other's gaps.

But, the fight continued to be one-sided.

It was impossible for Seol Jungyeon to fight properly when she couldn't even see Bang Ho-win's movement properly. She had to pay close attention to even his simple 'hand movements'.

In addition, Yoo Seodam had to give up any plan he had and run away as soon as he felt that Bang Ho-win would aim for him because if Bang Ho-win really put his mind into it, he could catch Yoo Seodam in less than ten seconds.

Kwaang…!!

"Ugh!"

Seol Jungyeon suffered a heavy blow to her abdomen as she barely blocked Bang Ho-win fist with the tip of her sword.

Cough!! Cough!!

Seol Jungyeon coughed a mouthful of blood as she tried to block another attack from Bang Ho-win. However, she couldn't do it. The attack landed on her shoulder. And then, a wave of naegong dug into her body and twisted her naegong and blood.

Seol Jungyeon's right hand trembled. For her, who mainly wielded the sword with her right hand, the blow on her right arm was affecting her quite a lot. But she couldn't let the sword go, she hurriedly wielded it with her left hand.

'I can still do it.'

Wounds keep piling on Seol Jungyeon's body. She reassured herself that she could definitely hold on. Because she knew, if she kept enduring like this, a chance would surely come.

She was very well aware that Yoo Seodam was unable to land a good hit at Bang Ho-win. It means that the only person who could hurt him was her.

To some extent, she knew the plan that Yoo Seodam had created. However, since the battle took place before they could defeat the Bone Dragon, it seems unlikely for him to execute that plan. If that's the case, Seol Jungyeon had to personally find a way…

'Just a little bit more…'

But deep down, Seol Jungyeon was still searching for the way to beat Bang Ho-win.

Just by hearing his light finger flick, her body stops moving. If she makes eye contact with him, perhaps all of her heart would be taken away by him.

In Murim, there's no record of a naegong that could stand up against Bang Ho-win's Saekgong that digs into the 'depths of mind'. Because techniques like Saekgong had rarely appeared throughout history.

And then suddenly, an idea popped out in her mind. It was such a ridiculous and absurd idea. But somehow, Seol Jungyeon felt that it would be possible.

It was an intuition of Hyunkyung exp- no. It was a woman's intuition.

"….."

After taking a deep breath, Seol Jungyeon raised her sword with her left hand and pointed it towards Bang Ho-win. Even after several rounds of battle, Bang Ho-win still looked fine as ever.

Seol Jungyeon slowly closed her eyes. The moment Bang Ho-win wriggled his eyebrows, Seol Jungyeon opened her eyes again.

Then she made eye contact with Bang Ho-win.

"Noooooooo!!"

Yoo Seodam's voice could be heard from a distance, but it was already late.

Seol Jungyeon's pupils were already losing its focus and she had also completely stopped moving. The situation itself was unbelievable, but in the end, Bang Ho-win was filled with joy, and burst into laughter.

"Kuhahahahahahaha-!!"

The loud laughter that was comparable to a lion's roar echoed throughout the Giant Rift.

Everyone had no choice but to stop fighting. Their gaze naturally turned toward Bang Ho-win and Seol Jungyeon.

They could see Seol Jungyeon was looking at the air vacantly with her hand still gripping her sword.

Everyone could see the meaning behind Bang Ho-win laughter.

Bang Ho-win had succeeded in applying 'Heart and Mind Dominating Technique' on Seol Jungyeon.

"Ha…. In the end, after struggling so much, she still became like this."

He glanced towards Yoo Seodam who was stunned stiff before shouting towards the American Hunters, New Murim League, and the Murim Hohyanghoe, who had lost their fighting spirit.

"Comrades! It's our victory! It's time to return to our homeland!"

Murim people who wanted to return to their hometown cheered. Then, louder than before, Bang Ho-win shouted once again.

"Hear me oh People of Murim who surrendered to modern society! In the end, it was impossible for your lord to resist after making eye contact with me! Now do you know who is right?"

Murim was the world of the weak and strong. Naturally, the strongest, who is the victor, is always right. That was the law of Murim.

Bang Ho-win slowly walked towards the wounded Seol Jungyeon. Every single movement of him was captured by the camera.

"Right, modern civilization is really comfortable…. I could show what your Lord which you deeply believe would become."

The moment Bang Ho-win reached out towards Seol Jungyeon to complete the 'Heart and Mind Dominating Technique',

Swoooosh~~~!!!

Seol Jungyeon's sword slashed at Bang Ho-win's body.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!!"

Bang Ho-win's scream resonated through the Great Rift. In a blink of an eye, his left arm was amputated along with his man's symbol. The pain he felt right now was surely indescribable, and with only one arm left, he couldn't heal both of his wounds.

(E/N: For my dear innocent readers, his man's symbol refers to the lecherous thing between his legs)

As Bang Ho-win shed tears of blood. He stumbled and shouted at Seol Jungyeon who had fallen to her knees due to exhaustion.

"How did you do it? Just what kind of sorcery did you use!!"

Yoo Seodam, who ran towards Seol Jungyeon with a worried face, could only look at her with bewildered eyes.

'According to the information I recieved, Bang Ho-win's Saekgong has an absolute effect against the opposite sex. Was it wrong…?'

Then, a smile bloomed on Seol Jungyeon's exhausted face as she recalled the reason why she could break free from Bang Ho-win's 'Mind and Heart Dominating Technique'.

'It was because of the gap.'

Every human being had a gap in their heart. To be precise, it was an emotion called 'love'. As they grow up, those gaps would be filled by people around them. But, it was impossible to fill it continuously till the day they died.

…But, it was only true for those who lived a normal life.

Seol Jungyeon's life was far from a normal life. She used to be the Master of the 'Cheonma Sect' of Murim in the past. In those days, she commanded tens of thousands of troops who looked up to her and millions of people who believed and followed her. As she was loved by everyone, and also showed love to those who follow her, she never lacked 'love'.

However, on a certain day, she lost all of her loved one because of a wicked man. She felt miserable. She lost all her motivation to keep living, her heart quickly became empty, and nothing could fill the gap anymore.

Yet, she was forced to live on in despair without even being allowed to die.

And after some time had passed, someone suddenly came and filled her heart. He was a man who gave her another reason to keep living. He became Seol Jungyeon's everything and filled her heart without allowing anyone else to invade it.

Deep down in her heart, Seol Jungyeon was aware.

New Murim League? The Supreme Cheonma? Murim Lord? The future of the Murim people? A world where Murim people could live comfortably?

She didn't need any of that.

The reason why she became the Lord of New Murim Alliance was for Yoo Seodam. The reason she was paying extra attention to the future of Murim people was for Yoo Seodam. She wanted to achieve Murim people's dream so she could assist Yoo Seodam's dream.

Obviously, Bang Ho-win's 'Mind and Heart Dominating Technique' was a fraudulent mugong that could control someone else's mind regardless of their status.

But… what if there were no gaps at all?

What if every space in their heart was filled with just one person?

Yoo Seodam, Yoo Seodam, Yoo Seodam.

Seol Jungyeon's mind and heart was already filled with that one person. No one could invade it.

'Even Saekma can't touch me.'

Seol Jungyeon took a deep breath, and lifted her sword once again. Her body was filled with wounds and she was tired, but she could still fight a little more.

"You can't act like a man now…. Hiks hiks (fake crying sound), it really hurts my heart."

"This… Bitchhh!!"

Bang Ho-win cursed as he clenched his teeth and tried to circulate his naegong.

At the same time, Yoo Seodam realized that the moment in front of him was an opportunity. He couldn't be completely sure what kind of opportunity it was. However, one thing that he knew was that everyone's attention was focused on Bang Ho-win.

'System, please help!'

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…Don't do it. It's a crazy move that will reduce your life force enormously! You could lose all the life force you've earned!

'It's okay!'

And then, Yoo Seodam shouted.

"Everyone, listen to me!"

He hadn't learned the lion roar technique, but it was a very easy task to draw everyone's attention when their attention was already focused on his vicinity in the first place.

As soon as everyone looked at him, Yoo Seodam took out his equipment from the inventory. Along with a pure white glow, a white armor and a pair of white boots appeared in the air, and automatically attached to his body.

Yoo Seodam drew more attention as he used [automatic equipping system, which could not be explained with any science and technology.

As people's eyes widened, Yoo Seodam continued his show by taking out his white sword, The Lost Morning Star and pointed it into the air.

"Bang Ho-win has deceived you! Did you really believe what he said about bringing you back home? It's all a lie! He's just pulled you in to take advantage of you!"

No one believed what Yoo Seodam said. It was only natural. For Murim people, the credibility of a Hyunkyung Expert like Bang Ho-win was way higher than Yoo Seodam, who barely achieved S-rank.

However, Yoo Seodam was not an ordinary S-rank hunter.

'I'm sorry. Even though you told not to disclose it'

…..If it is for you, Hunter Yoo Seodam, it's okay.

Yoo Seodam swung into the empty air. The air crackled with a bright golden hue.

Beyond that crack, 'another world' appeared.

Unlike the interior of the Great Rift, the world inside Yoo Seodam's Rift was painted in a sunset's glow. It was an unknown world where all buildings had already collapsed.

Since Yoo Seodam only requested to summon the nearest random dimension, even the system does not know where this is. However, the only fact that mattered was the fact that Yoo Seodam had created a door to another world.

"N….no way.."

"Did he just create a rift in the air…?"

Then, Yoo seodam shouted the powerful words towards the member of Murim Hohyanghoe.

"I can bring you back home!"

"This…!"

Bang Ho-win tried to cover Yoo Seodam's mouth, but Seol Jungyeon squeezed out the last remaining power she had and moved in front of Bang Ho-win to block him.

Even though Bang Ho-win's one arm was cut off, and he was unable to use 'Mind and Heart Dominating Technique', he was still able to affect a woman's heart.

Seeing Seol Jungyeon slowly being pushed back by Bang Ho-win, Yoo Seodam screamed once again.

"Do you understand who is the one you should believe now?! If you stop fighting now, you can return home anytime you want!"

At that time, the Bone Dragon flew and scratched the ground. It had caused more casualties compared to the civil war. If the Bone Dragon was left unattended more than this, a really big accident would happen.

"So, let's close the Great Rift and go back!"

Shortly after hearing Yoo Seodam's words, several Murim Experts who were forced to follow Bang Ho-win started to be shaken.

'It's an opportunity!'

Smiling Shadow, who was deliberately interfering with Bang Ho-win's plan, shouted the words he had always wanted to say.

"Anyway, he has already become a cripple! Even if what he said to us was true, he can no longer do so since it is impossible for him to reach the realm of Shinhwakyung now!"

"That's right! I actually didn't like following such a disgusting man from the beginning."

"To deceive us with such a lie…!"

Not all Murim experts were immediately swayed by the words of the Yoo Seodam. However, as soon as few Murim experts started to state their stance and their opinion, the situation immediately favored Yoo Seodam.

"Let's take down the Bone Dragon and get the chance to return once more!"

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Soon after, the hunters, the members of New Murim League as well as the members of Murim Hohyanghoe temporarily stopped fighting. Although they were not cooperating with each other, they began to face a common enemy, the Bone Dragon.

Their individual level was very high, and because there were 10 SS-rank in total, the Bone Dragon could be suppressed rather swiftly.

The only problem left was Bang Ho-win.

In the state where he only had one arm left and could no longer use his mind controlling skill, he was still able to overpower Seol Jungyeon. Even though he had been reduced to his current state, his mysterious mugong, which could make his opponent stop in the middle, and his 'Mind and Heart Dominating Technique', which he had learned all his life, still remained. He only needed a simple hand movement to stop Seol Jungyeon in her trails.

'Damn it! What the hell is that mugong?'

…it is a technique that couldn't be considered as mugong.

The system tried to explain it to Yoo Seodam. However, Yoo Seodam couldn't listen to her explanation because in front of him, he saw Seol Jungyeon being flung to the air before crashing to the ground after she failed to defend against Bang Ho-win's punch.

Yoo Seodam didn't have enough time to take out the Winchester 777 from his inventory and aim it at Bang Ho-win. So, using the skill attached to his boots, he narrowed the distance between him and Bang Ho-win and swung his sword.

Boom!!

Bang Ho-win stopped Yoo Seodam's sword before aiming his fist at Yoo Seodam's abdomen. He thought that Seodam's armor was nothing but an ordinary armor. Unfortunately for him, Yoo Seodam was able to endure his punch thanks to his hero-grade armor. Yoo Seodam once again swung his swords towards Bang Ho-win.

Boom!!

A huge crater was created as the aftermath of the exchange. As Yoo Seodam bounced away because of the impact, Seol Jungyeon rained a series of attacks towards Bang Ho-win with all her might. It was an attack that could cut anything in its path.

"You trash-like bitch!!!"

Bang Ho-win endured. The pain from losing one of his arms was no longer there because his reasoning clouded by his anger.

As the fight prolonged, Bang Ho-win's movement grew duller and duller. It was because he had lost a lot of blood. Moreover, the effect of 'Mind and Heart Dominating Technique' as well as his Saekgong gradually become weaker.

However, before Bang Ho-win completely collapsed, Seol Jungyeon lost all her strength and collapsed first. In the first place, it was a miracle to be able to fight against a mind controlling sorcery this long.

However, fortunately.

-This is the command center! The Bone Dragon has been defeated! I repeat! The Bone Dragon has been defeated!

-We also confirmed that the 'core energy' of the Great Rift has disappeared and the rift has started to close. Expedition members must return as soon as possible.

Because the Bone Dragon had been defeated, it was now possible to draw the picture that Yoo Seodam really wanted from here on.

"What!!!"

As the hunters and the Murim people began to rush toward the exit, Bang Ho-win became quite nervous. He was no longer able to use his Saekgong, which meant that even if he captured Seol Jungyeon, he cannot absorb her naegong and rise to the state of Shinhwakyung.

In other words, it was impossible for him to return to Murim by using the 'Dharma's Black Sword' in his possession.

If that was the case, Bang Ho-win thought it would be better for him to escape this place first. Even if it was not Saekgong, there are many ways to absorb other people's naegong. If only he could find an old master with a good amount of naegong like four years ago…

'Huh… Where did she go?'

Bang Ho-win belatedly realized that someone was carrying the passed out Seol Jungyeon and running away. The familiar man who was carrying Seol Jungyeon on his arm was no other than Smiling Shadow.

"Smiling Shadow!!!"

His scream echoed loudly. However, he couldn't stop Smiling Shadow who had run away and grouped up with the other New Murim Alliance's members in order to get out of the Rift.

Bang Ho-win focused all of his strength on his feet. He tried to chase Smiling Shadow in one leap and tear him to death.nov𝚎𝒍𝓊𝑆𝔅/𝒸/o\𝑚

However, at that moment, a magic circle was created in the air. In the next moment, Bang Ho-win's body was wrapped in chains.

"You and your dog-like trick again!"

It would have been easy to tear off the chain if Bang Ho-win still had both of his arms. However, with only one arm, he couldn't unravel the strange chains wrapped around his body.

However, in the end, he was still a Hyunkyung Expert. Even with one arm he was able to rip the chains in no time.

Bang Ho-win aimed his bloody gaze towards Yoo Seodam who was on the ground. He looked like he didn't have any intention of escaping the Rift.

'What is he doing?'

Bang Ho-win muttered to himself as he looked at the ground with a sense of incongruity. He could see his shadow was overlapping with Yoo Seodam's shadow.

Then, Yoo Seodam laughed as he stared at the space between Bang Ho-win's legs.

"Missy, do you have some spare time?"

A vein popped on Bang Ho-win's forehead. If he knew that Yoo Seodam would hinder him to this extent, he would've killed him sooner.

"This is….!"

Suddenly, Bang Ho-win could feel an unknown energy pulling him down from the shadow.

"You're using some suspicious magic again!"

Bang Ho-win tried to break away from the shadow. He circulated his naegong and put all of his strength into his legs.

'…..what!'

However, he couldn't break away easily. The unknown energy in the shadow was extremely thick.

Yoo Seodam smiled in satisfaction. Truth is, it was magic that he had been preparing for six months just for this moment. It was a binding magic that couldn't be torn apart easily. Of course, it was impossible to bind a Hyunkyung Expert for a long time. If it was Seol Jungyeon, if she seriously tried, she could break away from it in 10 seconds… However, his opponent right now wasn't in his top condition. He was heavily injured.

On top of it, Yoo Seodam wouldn't just let Bang Ho-win try.

"I see…"

Swoooshh~~!

Bang Ho-win bloodshot eyes stared at Yoo Seodam as his naegong spread in all directions.

"If I kill you…. I can get rid of this annoying shadow!"

Bang Ho-win rushed towards Yoo Seodam as he shouted. However, Yoo Seodam had already disappeared.

Quickly figuring out what's happening, Bang Ho-win could see Yoo Seodam in the distance not too far from him. He kicked the ground once again and his body shot forward towards Yoo Seodam. The ground split in half, but unfortunately, his kick narrowly missed the target.

Bang Ho-win gritted his teeth, he was annoyed. This fight was supposed to be a fight he could easily win. He only needed one proper hit. However, Yoo Seodam, who was way weaker than him, kept slipping from his attack like a damn loach.

"…Do you think I can't catch you even though I only have one arm?"

Bang Ho-win circulated all his remaining naegong and moved rapidly towards Yoo Seodam and swung his fist.

Boom!!

However, the item skill [Barrier of Brightness] was activated. A pure white light burst out, completely protecting Yoo Seodam from the impact. It was a skill that could only be triggered once. But Yoo Seodam was satisfied that he could survive longer. And then Yoo Seodam rolled over the ground and leaped into the sky.

To be fair, Yoo Seodam was quite fast. Thanks to the skill inside his boots, he was able to achieve speed comparable to an SS-rank Body strengthening-type hunter.

However, against a Hyunkyung Expert, his speed was like a poodle running in front of a car.

Crack!!!

"Kuuuukkkkkk."

Yoo Seodam could feel the bones in feet shattering because of Bang Ho-win's sudden kick. In retaliation, he swung his sword towards Bang Ho-win. However, Bang Ho-win easily dodged it and crushed his wrist. After that, Yoo Seodam could feel several hits on his abdomen before his consciousness turned dim.

"Kuhh…!"

It was inevitable for him to get hurt. It was already a miracle that he had lasted for more than a few minutes against a Hyunkyung Expert. He was aware that he was still alive because of [Death Rejection] skill that had already been activated and was recovering his stamina while cutting down his life span.

However, it's still not enough…

'Just a little bit more…. I need to keep him busy until the Rift is closed….'

Yoo Seodam stood up once again. Because his right hand was broken, he couldn't wield his sword with it. That's why he pulled out the ether blade with his left hand and tried to swing it. But, Bang Ho-win easily caught the blade with his fingertips.

Snap!

Bang Ho-win broke the blade into two and used Yoo Seodam's own blade to stab it in his abdomen. (P/N "You have my respect, Stark. I hope they remember you.")

"Keuuuk!!"

As blood poured out from Yoo Seodam's mouth, Bang Ho-win circulated his naegong and broke away from the shadow without delay.

Bang Ho-win turned his head and looked into the distance. He could see that the portal was on the verge of being completely closed.

He felt regretful. Bang Ho-win really wanted to kill Yoo Seodam. But, he couldn't afford to waste any more time. He thought that even if he left him alone, he would be trapped here and eventually be killed by skeletons.

Boom!!

Bang Ho-win kicked the ground and leaped into the air. Suddenly, the size of the portal became smaller than before. It was now at the size where only two or three adults could fit into.

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'I can still get out!'

As Bang Ho-win reached closer to the portal, he could see a female swordsman with golden hair and blue eyes standing in front of the portal.

Her name was Celeste Costantini. However, Bang Ho-win didn't know about it. The only thing that he knew was the fact that she was blocking him.

"Get out of the way!!"

Bang Ho-win scattered his naegong and tried to activate 'Heart and Mind Domination Technique' to make her move away. Unfortunately, his opponent wasn't someone from Murim but rather a hunter. On top of it, she didn't make any eye contact with him as if she already knew the condition to activate the 'Heart and Mind Domination Technique'.

'Try to stop my punch then!'

Whether she was a hunter or something else, Bang Ho-win didn't care at all. By scanning her power, he could tell that she was only at a level of first-grade swordsman. If that is the case, he only needed to punch her once to make that cheeky woman crumble into dust.

…It should have been that way.

Sounds of two metal clashing against each other rang as the sword which Celeste swung hit Bang Ho-win's right arm and produced a slight shock wave.

"What the!!!!"

Bang Ho-win's eyes opened wide as he didn't expect her to have that much power.

'This is mugong?'

A hunter with a body strengthening ability who also uses mugong? Bang Ho-win couldn't believe it, but it didn't matter now. Because he needed to hurry. He had no time.

Although he had been pushed out due to being careless and running out of naegong, if he paid more attention, he was confident that he would be able to get rid of her instantly.

However, Bang Ho-win's fist couldn't reach her.

Her speed was too fast for a first-grade swordmaster. On top of it, she could also launch a counterattack against Bang Ho-win.

"This rotten bitch…!!"

Kwa Kwa Kwa Kwang…!!!

Bang Ho-win circulated his naegong and infused it into his punch. After the third punch, Celeste couldn't hold on any more and flew back into the portal due to the impact.

As she was flying back, Bang Ho-win could see her saying 'This is for my father'.

"Ah."

As the portal closed completely, Bang Ho-win's right arm, which was still stretched out because of the previous attack, was also severed.

It was as if the battles up until now were nothing but a dream, the silence covered the world.

Bang Ho-win, who lost both of his arms, looked into the air for a long time with blank expression.

Why did it turn out like this?

Even when he thought about it again, he still couldn't understand the situation he was in.

Where have my arms gone? Why is the space between my legs empty, and why am I trapped here?

Such questions passed through his head, before, eventually a certain face came to mind.

"Yoo….Seo….Dam……!!"

Anger engulfed Bang Ho-win's whole body. He couldn't forgive him.

He had hindered him from recovering his lost power by capturing Seol Jungyeon. Now, let alone Murim, he couldn't even return to Earth.

Bang Ho-win shouted once again as he found one thing that he could do now.

"YOO SEODAAAMMM!!"

Bang Ho-win turned away and ran towards the place where Yoo Seodam had fallen. Even though the distance was the same, he took dozens of times longer to get there. But still, it wasn't that long before he reached there.

Bang Ho-win found Yoo Seodam collapsed in the same place as before with blood flowing out from his abdomen. It was as if he was waiting for him.

"…I thought you were busy. Do you have time left?"

[10…9…8…]

Despite the situation he was in, Yoo Seodam was still mocking Bang Ho-win. In retaliation, he shouted angrily towards him.

"I will make sure you cannot talk like that ever again…!!"

"Scary~ Can you even do something terrible….to me… when you don't have that little thing anymore?"

[8…7…6]

Even while coughing blood, Yoo Seodam kept blabbering.

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Bang Ho-win slowly approached him and said,

"I will make you suffer to the point where you feel death is better…. do not even think of asking for forgiveness from me…."

"Forgiveness?"

[5…4…3…]

As if he found the word funny, Yoo Seodam smiled and raised his middle finger.

"This-"

With a faint smile, he spoke,

"-is what you don't have now."

"…..What!!!"

[2…1…0]

Bang Ho-win stretched his hand toward Yoo Seodam before realizing that something was wrong.

'…ah….'

He had no arms left.

….Wheeing!!

In the next moment, Yoo Seodam disappeared as a white light enveloped him.

"Ah…ah…ah……."

After belatedly realizing the situation, Bang Ho-win screamed and shed tears of blood which splattered on the floor.

However, no one was there to respond to him.

[Dimensional travel is complete.]

The blunt mechanical voice tickled my ears.

Seodam. You are in critical condition because you lack blood! Staying like this can be really dangerous!

'······.'

My head hurts because the system keeps screaming. I think I can take out a potion from the inventory and drink it. Oh, by the way will it recover blood loss? I don't know.

The world is getting darker. Everything is blurry. Is this the Earth?

We have successfully transported into this world. Your goal will be complete as long as you live and can return to Earth!

Oh, I see.

It was a tougher fight than I thought. I thought I could win no matter what.

However, naturally, there was no such thing as a guaranteed fight.

I thought I had come to my senses the other day. But it seems like I've become quite arrogant since I could hunt protagonists rather easily. Did I forget that for a hunter, the most important thing is prudence?

When I thought that my precious person was in danger, I overworked myself.

It was my mistake.

I was stupid.

That's why it turned out like this.

If I had been a little wiser, it could turn out better.

Now is not the time to think like that…

The system's voice gradually faded away.

Why was it fading away? Where did it go? You also don't know?

I don't know. I'm sleepy. I think it would be comfortable if I fall asleep.

Yeah, let's go to sleep.

…Yoo Seodam…You've worked hard… Now rest well…

System's voice turned smaller and smaller.

'…..Professor!'

The world became completely dark after I saw the scene of a pure white naked girl with fluttering black hair and a bullet necklace jumping onto me.

In Seattle, USA.

There's a university hospital that specializes in treating injured superhumans and hunters. It was a hospital that boasted a world-renowned staff line-up as well as a state of the art facility. But, because it was a hospital that only treated superhumans and hunters who had a unique disposition, they rarely received any patients. Even though this was the case, their facilities were always in the best condition.

Anne was one of the nurses who worked at the Seattle University Hospital. She was an elite among elites, an experienced nurse who is rarely nervous even when she meets S-rank hunters who are being treated at their hospital. But today she was particularly nervous.

It was because she has been appointed to tend to the strongest hunter in the world, the Murim Lord, Seol Jungyeon.

However, she wasn't alone, as there were ten more nurses assigned to take care of Seol Jungyeon besides Anne. Apart from the nurses, there were also a doctor and a Murim counselor around. But she still couldn't help but tremble.

"Is this the so-called 'Sacred Pill' or something like that?"

"Well…I don't know either."

"Don't you know this? If you read a martial arts novel, it was something that was made at some kind of a Shaolin Temple, what was it called? Ah!! Shaolin Sacred Pill! Maybe this one is similar to that… To think I would actually see this."

"It was made in the Shaolin Temple to be eaten by the Lord, so don't touch it, okay?"

It wasn't a fake Sacred Pill created by a fake Shaolin in China, but it was a real Sacred Pill created by a real Shaolin Master who actually existed in Murim. It was a valuable item reserved only for Seol Jungyeon.

Shortly after, Anne took a deep breath and pushed the medical cart full of medicines, including the Sacred Pill, and headed to the ward on the uppermost floor which is where Seol Jungyeon was staying.

As she got closer to the Seol Jungyeon's ward, Anne could see several Murim Experts who were guarding her ward. Some wore black robes, some wore modern suits, and some were completely shirtless.

All of them were muscular and had a menacing look. They always glared at people who approached their lord's ward with terrifying eyes, including doctors and nurses. However, they weren't fools, so they wouldn't do something stupid towards doctors and nurses who was doing their job to heal their lord. Rather, Anne knew that they were kind. They were just…. a little bit scary.

"Oh, lady nurse. You have to properly take care of the Sacred Pill."

"I'm sorry to ask when you are so busy, but are there any restaurants that sell rice soup nearby? There's none? Gosh why are there so many things that are not available in America?"

The Murim experts were quite friendly to the nurses. They felt like a kind local neighbor for the nurses. But Anne knew who they really are because of what happened the other day when some reporters secretly sneaked in, hoping to get a scoop about Seol Jungyeon.

After lightly greeting the Murim people guarding their lord, Anne finally arrived in front of her ward. As she knocked, she heard a voice from the inside saying "Come in". It was a very beautiful voice that made her happy just by listening to it.

When she entered the hospital room, she could see a woman with platinum hair, which were dyed slightly yellow due to the warm sunlight seeping through the open window, sitting on the bed.

Anne thought that time was coming to halt. She was mesmerized by the Murim Lord's beauty.

If the goddess of ice were to manifest herself, would she look like this?

-Today's news! There was an incident where the Murim Hohyanghoe, who participated in the raid of the Great Rift in America, betrayed the expedition and turned around….

-There are many criticisms being poured out towards the United States of America, who had accepted these terrorists' entry in the nation.

-All the Murim people of the Murim Hohyanghoe were arrested by the New Murim League. Criticism is pouring out towards the United States for leaving the incident in the hands of another party, but the President of the United States dismissed it by saying, "The New Murim League deserves to handle this personally."

Seol Jungyeon was watching the news. The content of the news itself was roughly the same. It was all related to the Great Rift she dealt with a few days ago.

-It turns out that terrorist Bang Ho-win was actually an SSS-rank superhuman. Meanwhile, praises are pouring out towards Seol Jungyeon, the lord of New Murim League, who had successfully overpowered Bang Ho-win…

-It has been revealed that the Guild Master of Another League, Yoo Seodam, is capable of creating a gap in the dimension. Previously, he was known to have succeeded in the project of turning dungeons into a guild hideout….

-Accusations against China are pouring. The Chinese Government has officially stated that what happened in the Great Rift had nothing to do with them, but the criticisms have not stopped….

The media from all over the world was insanely noisy. However, Anne thought it was only natural. In the first place, the Great Rift was a phenomena that always attracts the attention of the entire world. And currently, on top of that, not only a hidden SSS-rank murim expert made an appearance, he also betrayed the expedition. Could there be any issue bigger than this?

However, it only became more festive when the world came to know that it was Seol Jungyeon who successfully overpowered such SSS-rank Murim expert and persuaded the members of Murim Hohyanghoe by revealing that Yoo Seodam of Another League could open dimensions.

There was so much information, but by far, the one who received the most attention is none other than Seol Jungyeon.

And for Anne, it was truly dream-like to know that Seol Jungyeon was in front of her right now.

"E….excuse me… L..Lord."

As Anne calls her, Seol Jungyeon quietly turned her head and looked at her. Her eyes carried despair and gloom. Anyone who saw those eyes would feel their heart ache.

Seol Jungyeon never smiled. Anne thought that if she smiled even a little, she would be really beautiful.

'When she was asleep, she was like a flower fairy, but when she woke up, she felt like the embodiment of ice.'

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When Seol Jungyeon slowly stood up, Anne could see a voluminous body that was revealed through the parts that were not covered by the thin fabric of a patient's clothing. She had felt it from the first time she saw it, but that body didn't match Seol Jungyeon's young face at all.

Anne swallowed her saliva before slowly approaching Seol Jungyeon. Then the door of the ward silently opened as someone walked in.

"Ah, Lord."

Anne knew her. She is the Korean girl called Shin Hye-ji who was working as Seol Jungyeon's secretary.

Shin Hye-ji sighed and said.

"Lord, didn't I tell you that if you look so absent-minded like that, people around you will also be nervous and will be unable to do anything. Smile, smile. Please smile a little."

"I'm trying."

"Who were you thinking about?"

Shin Hye-ji didn't ask 'what were you thinking about' because Shin Hye-ji knew very well what filled her Lord's mind.

"No one.."

"As if. Lord, please stop worrying. It's Yoo Seodam we are talking about."

In fact, it wasn't just Seol Jungyeon who was worried about Yoo Seodam. People all over the world were also wondering where he was.

He is not only good with Mugong and magic, but now he can also manipulate dimensions. What is his identity? No, before that. What has happened in the Great Rift that has been closed?

-Meanwhile, many people are worried about Yoo Seodam as several witnesses said that Hunter Yoo Seodam couldn't escape from the Great Rift. But according to the Chief Executive of Another League, Yekaterina, Yoo Seodam would return soon, but she did not reveal the details…

Coincidentally, there was news about him on TV. Shin Hye-ji was also curious about his whereabouts. But right now, she was more worried about Seol Jungyeon, who was suffering from anxiety thinking about him.

"He is a person who always fulfills his promise. So, let's just believe in him and wait. Lord, you know that you're really busy right now, right? Let's finish everything before Hunter Yoo Seodam returns"

Seol Jungyeon recalled what Yoo Seodam had told her.

He said that even if he was trapped in the Great Rift, he would surely return to Earth.

So, he asked her to wait for him.

"You wouldn't always be like that…. until Hunter Yoo Seodam returns, right?"

She was right. Seol Jungyeon realized that she couldn't mopped around forever.

As the Lord of New Murim League, the things Seol Jungyeon had to do were numerous, and many of her people were waiting for her. On top of it, she was sure that Yoo Seodam also didn't want her to be rotting in the corner like this and neglects all of her works.

"…You are right."

Seol Jungyeon, who was able to extricate herself from her depressed state, finally smiled. It was such a faint smile that couldn't be noticed at first glance…

'Oh my God, my God!'

Anne screamed internally. She felt as if the whole world had been brightened with just that one smile.

Sometimes, when I am having a hard time, I have a dream. Most of those dreams start with a girl. She was Reyna Ju, a girl I trusted and relied on more than my deceased adoptive parents.

She was someone who always cheered me on whenever I felt like giving up. When I was busy grieving over my helpless reality, she would ask me to try again. At that time, we leaned on each other and trusted each other more than anything. I trusted Rayna Ju more than my own deceased adoptive parents.

However, all of that ends when 9 years ago, she was swallowed by a Great Rift.

Then the dream changes to the Hell Gate raid from 7 years ago. It was a place where all terrible plagues of this world were mixed together, no dreams nor hopes could be found there. Humanity's conquest mission of Hell Gate was bound to fail since it wasn't a space where humans should step on.nov𝑒𝑳𝑈𝑠𝚋\𝓬\o\𝗆

However, I saw Rayna Ju there.

It was by no means a hallucination, illusion, nor a dream. Because I clearly made eye contact with her. However, right after that moment, I passed out.

Even now, in my dreams, I could still see Reina Ju vividly. She, who claimed to be my guardian on behalf of my birth parents who I don't remember as well as my foster parents who died when I was still a child, was beckoning me….

Suddenly, when I was walking closer towards the Hell Gate,

'Seodam, don't come outside.'

Then, a golden light enveloped my body.

"…Heoeok!"

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My eyes burst open. Just now, I think I had a dream… But, I couldn't remember it.

"Ugh…"

My head throbbed.

When I tried to grab my head with my left hand, I felt something was pressing on it. I turned my head to look at it.

There, I could see blood-soaked Aracelli sleeping while hugging my left arm tightly.

"What…why…?"

She has been nursing you for days. She also used her own blood and mana to heal you, Seodam.

"Then, this blood……."

It's your blood.

In a hurry, I checked my entire body. The wound I got from the fight against Bang Ho-win, including the one on the abdomen, had gotten better. It was not completely healed yet, but it looked like it wouldn't hinder me from moving.

Besides, the flame that floated above my head had kept my body warm, so my body temperature was also normal.

Seodam, quickly extinguish that flame. She's squeezing her last bit of mana to light it for you.

As soon as I heard the system's words, I raised my hand and turned the flame off. Only then I realized that the flame contained magic that preserves body temperature and recovers stamina.

Wheeing…!!

As soon as the flame went out, a chilling wind struck my body. At the same time, I realized that I was only able to stay warm thanks to the flame. I also realized that the flame was too small to keep 2 people warm.

I hurriedly looked at Aracelli's face. She was dangerously pale and cold, sweat was trickling from her forehead. It turns out that she had covered her body with only a thin piece of giant grass. It was no wonder she had a hard time withstanding the cold.

With only 1% mana left inside her body, she was in a much more dangerous state than me, who had almost recovered all my stamina.

I took out a thick cloak from my inventory and covered Aracelli's body with it. Then, I held Aracelli in my arms to preserve her body temperature before summoning 3 flames and lit it around us. I also gently poured warm water into her mouth.

"Euuummm……."

Not long after that, Aracelli slowly opened her eyes. She looked at me with her half-closed eyes for few moments before opening her mouth and said in a very weak voice,

"Professor…."

Seeing her struggling, something heavy hit my chest.

"Why are you overdoing it…"

Shortly after I spoke those words, I realized that I had made a mistake. Those words weren't the words I wanted to say to her.

"….Thank you."

Aracelli smiled faintly and buried her face deeper into my chest. Then, magic circles around my heart slowly started rotating. It wasn't by my will nor the flower spirit's will, but Aracelli's will. She slowly recharged her Mana through my heart.

(E/N: Seodam has become a battery charger for two girls now loll)

As her mana returned, her body gradually started functioning again. And as her body became warmer, it was noticeable that her complexion was also improving.

"Professor…."

"Yes?"

"Professor……"

"I'm here, you can tell me."

"Don't be sick…."

After mumbling those words, Aracelli fell asleep in my arms.

I was caught up in a strange mood as I stared at her sleeping face for a long time.

It's because her words about not getting sick, which were not really anything big, kept lingering in my head. It wasn't a big deal, but it touched my heart because it contained her sincerity.

Suddenly, I remembered her fate, which I had seen before.

Aracelli Rinekal, she was an Archmage who successfully saved her own world. However, after she saved her world, she chose to chase after me instead of live happily as a hero who was worshipped by everyone in her own world.

I wondered why she chose to travel through space and time and wander through countless worlds.

Is my existence really worth pursuing even though she had to endure many hardships and pain?

I don't know.

Unknowingly, I didn't move in the slightest while holding Aracelli in my arms until the sun rose.