Chapter 124 – Dark Clouds

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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[Tepheran Fence]

[Recommended Level: Lv.450]

Information of the rift surfaced.

Even when the players were just getting active.

The protagonist of the [Tepheran Fence] would be World Unification.

Or there were many who expected it to be Shining.

It couldn’t be helped.

The emerging powers currently threatening the prestige of the two guilds.

Gaon, Inazuma, Berserker.

Since the massive alliance had been in a state of capturing another rift for several days.

“We will give up on Tepheran Fence.”

“Same for us. We don’t want to be bridesmaids.”

“The recovery of the Guyvers is the priority.”

The other massive guilds were no different.

Because if they got caught uselessly between World Unification and Shining.

It was obvious that let alone leveling up, it would be difficult to even salvage experience points.

However.

“Lee Ho-yeol. No, why is Ho-yeol-nim in such a shabby rift……?”

Ho-yeol had appeared in the [Tepheran Fence] rift.

And with an enormous spirit legion at that!

Regardless of what had somehow happened…….

Color circulated on the faces of the NetTuber players.

“Crazy. No idea what the situation is, but it’s no joke. Isn’t that?”

“Spirits are something we haven’t even been able to see once in Arcana!”

“Our eyes are properly feasting thanks to Ho-yeol-nim.”

Although just Ho-yeol’s appearance alone was welcoming beyond words.

On top of such a Ho-yeol, to think there were spirits.

Wasn’t this a spectacle that surpassed the competition between World Unification and Shining?

Soon, the chats of the viewers poured out.

-Crazy hahahahaha

-Everything’s great, but don’t ruin it by going close for no reason, seriously ㅡㅡ

-Fr other players are fine but let’s not touch Lee Ho-yeol

-True we gotta respect him, considering how much we’re benefiting

They were NetTuber players making a living off their fast wits.

Besides, unless they were crazy.

There was no one bold enough to approach Ho-yeol without asking for permission.

“Of course. Isn’t the most important thing none other than formality?”

Moreover, the current situation wasn’t one suitable for that either.

The figure of Ho-yeol standing upright in front of dozens of spirits.

Because that was a picture far more plausible to look at from afar.

The NetTuber players spat out pure admiration.

“……For what reason did he visit this rift?”

“The people with their robes pulled up over there next to him are definitely mages from the Mage Tower, right? The only ones who can summon spirits would be them, after all.”

“It probably wouldn’t be to hunt at Ho-yeol-nim’s level.”

Of course, separately from that, the questions remained.

However, the curiosity did not last long.

Soon after, Ho-yeol began moving away from the group.

Because he approached a [Tepheran Scarecrow].

“Huh? Did he really just come to hunt?”

The estimated level of Ho-yeol floating in the rumors was a whopping Level 900.

In contrast, the [Tepheran Scarecrow] was merely Level 450.

To speak bluntly, his level probably wouldn’t rise even if he hunted hundreds of thousands of them…….

Why was Ho-yeol trying to hunt a [Tepheran Scarecrow]?

-……A sword from the start?

-Ooh, his combat pattern is different from usual?

-Ah, what, so it was like that???

Clang

Only after Ho-yeol raised his sword.

Did people appear who guessed the reason.

A NetTuber player and explorer.

“Ah, I see!”

Yusra Kingdom.

The corner in front of the Golden Palace square, the Golden Calf Tavern.

Park Hwi-gang, who was watching the broadcast on a screen, was also one of them.

“Tepheran Scarecrows are counter-type monsters, you see!”

The knowledge of an explorer who roamed all over the Arcana continent!

“They have the characteristic of being able to transform into the type most troublesome for the opponent depending on who the opponent is. Of course, they can only transform into one type at a time, so. If you just form a party well and face them, they aren’t that troublesome of opponents but…….”

As could be seen, Ho-yeol was alone.

Of course, since the level gap was tremendous.

There probably wouldn’t be any difficulty in facing a single scarecrow.

In reality, Ho-yeol’s movements were overflowing with leisure.

Gulp

A bobbing Adam’s apple.

Rockid emptied a barrel of beer in a single breath.

Even if the fledglings gathered at the seats couldn’t recognize it.

He could recognize it himself.

Ho-yeol’s sword energy that had become one step more noble.

By the way, not only was he wielding such sword energy, but.

He was the Chief among those monster-like Mage Tower bastards?

Isn’t that a foul?

Something like that is a foul even in a no-rules colosseum.

“Tch. He’s doing all the cool things by himself. That guy.”

A growth to the extent that Rockid would throw a meaningless tantrum.

Whether he knew about his burning insides or not.

Park Hwi-gang continued speaking with an even more flushed face.

“Things become different if those Tepheran Scarecrows swarm in droves. No matter how the player acts, one of the scarecrows will definitely be able to perfectly counter the player’s attack!”

As was said.

Tepheran Scarecrows were counter-type monsters.

Even when having to face one, party hunting was recommended.

What if one was instead surrounded by those guys?

“It means things can become quite tiring regardless of level.”

No, it seemed Ho-yeol had already fallen into a tiring situation.

Tepheran Scarecrows that had flocked around Ho-yeol before anyone knew it.

Only then did the corners of Rockid’s mouth rise.

‘Yeah. Go suffer a bit. You gotta crumple that pretentious posture too.’

Rockid, whose head spun fast when it came to combat at least.

Listening to Park Hwi-gang’s commentary.

An estimate came out that it wouldn’t be easy even if it was Ho-yeol.

“You’re gonna get some stains on that neat face of yours.”

Kuhaha!

However, Rockid, who was laughing heartily, did not know.

Just how many wells Ho-yeol had dug all this time.

How many survival holes he had dug.

Even if counter-type monsters flocked in large numbers.

It meant they wouldn’t be able to surpass the number of kinds of 『Magic』, [Skills], and {Nature} abilities.

That Ho-yeol poured out.

“Th-What kind of nonsense is that!”

Even if considering excluding [{『Anomaly』}].

Thanks to that, even while surrounded by countless Tepheran Scarecrows.

The dignity ingrained in Ho-yeol wasn’t crumpled in the slightest.

-Wow shit the dimension itself is just different hahahaha

-What is this? He’s using Tepheran Scarecrows like sparring partners??

-Crazy using a Lv.450 as a practice partner hahahaha

Clatter!

In the end, Rockid ended up kicking his seat and standing up.

From his appearance to his abilities.

“There’s a limit to being unfair too! That arrogant……!!”

.

.

.

……There’s a limit to surprising people too!

From the Quernberg Mechanical Tower.

To the appearance of a new World Tree.

Even the Demon King annihilation.

She learned that Ho-yeol was involved in every incident.

While she thought she had already been surprised enough.

To think there was still something left to be surprised about.

Fwoosh

Flames spewing out from its breathing holes.

The Fire Drake snorted.

“Look how surprised you are. You can’t even say you’re hungry, Feiyan.”

The Fire Drake’s words were correct.

Maybe it was thanks to the beggar in her stomach also fainting from surprise.

Her stomach, which had been growling restlessly, was quiet.

‘By the way…….’

Feiyan looked at Ho-yeol.

The utilization of {Nature} abilities through 『Magic』 and spirits wasn’t something to be surprised about.

Because Ho-yeol was strictly a Senior Mage of the Mage Tower.

What Feiyan was surprised about was, naturally, because of his swordsmanship.

‘I can tell even if I lack an eye for it.’

Tepheran.

One of the 10 Great Mysteries of the Arcana continent.

An area where even the Explorer’s Union couldn’t finish their expedition.

Above all, the guys appearing there were bizarre without exception.

Even just the scarecrows appearing at Tepheran’s outermost fence.

‘Because they have a quite troublesome side.’

It meant that one couldn’t even put a scratch on a Tepheran Scarecrow with half-baked swordsmanship. In other words, it meant Ho-yeol’s swordsmanship wasn’t at an ordinary level.

“I told you, didn’t I? That rumor is real!”

“The great family, that one?”

“Right! How else could he do that unless that was the case?”

……Why am I listening closely to their chirping?

Feiyan, because her own thoughts weren’t much different either.

More than anything, Feiyan knew the importance of talent.

‘I don’t want to admit it, but that’s why lineage is important.’

Descendants of magical families making names for themselves in various regions of the continent.

The majority of mages who entered the Mage Tower were like that.

Although there were occasionally exceptional individuals like Senior Bangrit, but…….

That number was incredibly small.

‘Because Chief Marcelo’s abilities also originate from his family’s history.’

However, that power of lineage also has limits.

Just like how a magical family cannot produce a swordsman who can handle sword energy.

And just like how the reverse is also impossible……!

Because she knew that fact.

The doubts regarding Ho-yeol couldn’t help but grow even bigger.

“……Isn’t he too excessively versatile?”

At that rate, doesn’t it seem like he has every good thing existant?

*

……My ears have been itching frequently these days.

However, I can generously understand.

Everyone would be wondering what the hell I’m doing.

‘Level 900? Me?’

Anyway, the rumors were the problem.

Although I, the person involved, didn’t say anything.

Before I knew it, my level had become at least 900.

A heavily burdensome overestimation.

No, looking at the speed at which experience points have been rising recently.

It was a figure that made me doubt whether it was even a possible number.

‘Of course, I cannot state the truth from my own mouth.’

Even if I pass it off as being due to a tiring personality.

Someone will ask persistently.

Then couldn’t I just reveal the ranking information?

Then I will present the status window instead of an answer.

[Name: Granfel Claudi Arpeus Romeo]

[Title: The Last Adventurer]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 425]

[Stats]

Strength: 70 / Agility: 75 / Magic Power: 385 / Luck: 6 / Aesthetics: Low

[Points Available: 0]

Revealing the ranking information that is in a private state to the world?

Right, it’s not a difficult thing.

No, I would rather prefer it.

Because catching unnecessary misunderstandings early on is good for everyone.

However, I absolutely cannot watch the sight of the name [Granfel Claudi Arpeus Romeo] floating on the player rankings even if I die……!

‘I might actually die from embarrassment.’

Right, this is an issue involving my, Lee Ho-yeol’s pride, not Granfel’s pride.

‘At that point, I’d rather just reach Level 900.’

Because I know that fact.

I hunted the [Tepheran Scarecrows] lunging at me.

[Natural Enemy] was in an unactivated state.

I didn’t even dope on elixirs for a proper power test.

It’s a good thing you drew your sword from the start, Ho-yeol.

As expected, a class with a few screws missing.

Demon Hunter.

‘Fast.’

Although I had raised Strength and Agility stats to the maximum through class quests.

I was someone who had invested all points acquired from level-ups into Magic Power.

[Tepheran Scarecrow: Lv.450]

Meaning it’s overwhelming to keep up with the guy purely with stats.

On top of that, this guy, just as I heard, is troublesome to deal with.

‘Counter-type monster. Develops resistance to an attack accordingly.’

Swaaash

Releasing sword energy.

To think it endured hitting an attack that maximized attack power.

“I shall praise you.”

Because our esteemed Granfel-nim evaluated it to that extent.

Indeed, the 10 Great Mysteries’ Tepheran.

It’s fitting to call it an unknown area whose true identity hasn’t been revealed even on the Arcana continent.

However, there was no opponent more suited than this for me.

“You have a knack for blocking. However.”

Rumble

Magic manifesting simultaneously with the sword strike.

If you block one, I just need to pour out two simultaneously.

What if one more lunges at me?

“Can you block this as well.”

I just need to pour out one more from there.

Considering how many wells I’ve dug all this time.

For just a few dozens, there’s absolutely no need to bring up [{『Anomaly』}].

‘Worth dealing with.’

No matter how much of a class with missing screws Demon Hunter was, there was an absolute stat advantage.

I was ahead by about 100 points in total stats compared to players of the same level bracket.

‘It means it’s thanks to class quests and elixirs, see.’

How is it, the result of my struggles.

Thud thud thud

I murmured towards the collapsing Tepheran Scarecrows.

“It wasn’t bad for a warm-up opponent.”

Words spat out calmly, contrary to my swelling emotions.

The others.

“A warm-up opponent, it was exactly as you said.”

Even if Hiel doesn’t recognize it again.

I know it myself.

It’s an improvement that truly brings tears to my eyes, Ho-yeol……!

Now at least I won’t need to act pitifully in front of monsters of the same level bracket.

With an overwhelmed heart, I wanted to enjoy this sense of accomplishment a little more, but.

The back of my head pricked.

Turning around, I saw Feiyan and the mages.

I told you to commune with the spirits since it’s been a while.

Why are you staring at me?

Although I couldn’t know the reason.

Whatever.

It’s not like I can make them wait forever.

Let’s slowly return to the Mage Tower.

Rumble

For what reason was it?

The rift’s sky instantly cast with dark clouds.

I stepped forward while adjusting my clothes.

“The sky is crying out.”

It’s a good thing no one’s listening.

I’d probably cry sooner than the sky crying.

Anyway, let’s hurry.

Even if the [Warmth] buff is omnipotent, it can’t even block rain…….

.

.

.

The one to notice the signs first was the High-ranking Flame Spirit.

The Fire Drake.

The Fire Drake, which had been lying down, raised its body.

“Feiyan. An unusual energy is felt.”

At those words, Feiyan belatedly surveyed her surroundings.

And she noticed.

The presence of a ‘heterogeneous spirit’ lingering nearby.

Feiyan’s pupils shook finely.

‘……This presence is?’

……A darkness spirit!

That was a spirit that even Feiyan, the Spiritology Senior Mage, had never witnessed even once.

Therefore, the only thing Feiyan could recall was the knowledge regarding Spiritology she possessed as a Senior.

──────

Darkness spirits are different from spirits of other attributes right from their origins.

──────

Darkness spirits are existences that only reveal their appearances when specific conditions are met.

Feiyan flinched while recalling those conditions.

She had forgotten due to making a fuss.

“Oh dear……!”

That this place was the territory of Tepheran.

──────

Darkness spirits are existences born from deep darkness. The places they appear are only areas that have not yet been revealed to the world. A place whose source has not been illuminated, such a location was precisely their origin…….

──────

One of the 10 Great Mysteries of the Arcana continent.

And [Tepheran], where even the Explorer’s Union couldn’t finish their expedition.

It was an area that fulfilled that first condition.

On top of that, the troublesome second condition as well.

──────

……The area must be overflowing with communion power.

──────

Communion power.

Thanks to the spirits summoned by Feiyan herself and the mages.

Inside the [Tepheran Fence] rift, ample communion power was surging.

Feiyan put her hand into her sleeve.

“How foolish.”

She wasn’t taking out snacks or the like.

What she pulled out was a magic tool, a wand.

Her mind was distracted elsewhere and overlooked a dangerous variable.

Feiyan bit her lower lip hard.

“……I’m disqualified as a Spiritology Senior at this rate.”

Just like the Fire Drake.

The spirits that noticed the unusual signs.

The Adept Mages seemed to have braced their hearts, but.

Panic was evident on the faces of the Apprentice Mages.

Feiyan felt a sense of responsibility.

‘I must at least prevent adventurers from getting swept up in this.’

Setting other things aside, the reputation of the Mage Tower could not be tarnished.

She hated causing a commotion, but it couldn’t be avoided.

As said, a darkness spirit is a ‘heterogeneous spirit’.

‘An existence that ordinary people can’t even commune with in the first place…….’

It was true.

Heterogeneous magic power.

Only those who could handle the ‘suitable magic power’ spoken of in Black Magic were able to attempt communion with a darkness spirit. The one possessing ‘suitable magic power’ of that level was…….

‘Among the people I know, it’s only Senior Matis.’

However, Matis was not present here.

Therefore, Feiyan gritted her teeth.

“As expected, driving it out is the only way.”

“Understood. Feiyan.”

“Use your full power. We must prevent the adventurers from getting swept up in it.”

However, overshadowing Feiyan’s resolute determination.

In this place, replacing Matis.

No, there was a possessor of ‘suitable magic power’ who surpassed him.

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