Chapter 233 – Karma (2)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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I stare at the soaring flames of hell.

[Your level has risen.]

[Your level has risen.]

[Your level has risen.]…

Feels more welcome than the level up messages.

Corrupted into a demon.

Afterwards, the Sword Saint who fell to hell after being defeated by me.

Shegwen.

Step-

Because he revealed himself from the swaying flames.

If you ask how I was able to summon Shegwen, who is unrelated to Akshan, with the [Will of Akshan].

-“It is a pride that even death cannot break.”

…Should I call this a pride-driven conclusion too?

.

.

.

It was a time when I was suffering from my daily routine as usual.

Specifically, the damn grinding class.

It was during the execution of the Demon Hunter’s training quest.

“Friendly competition is always welcome.”

It’s unfair to suffer alone.

I don’t really know the saying that sadness is halved when shared, but.

I, who knew that hardship is definitely halved when shared.

‘Even grinding is better when done together.’

Actually, to evaluate the Akshan Demon Hunters objectively.

Do they have anything they’re good at besides hunting demons?

It was true that doubts arose.

Still, aren’t they seniors?

At the very least, a method to grow [Tenacity] more efficiently. Or a trick to slack off during training. I pulled out the [Torch of Hell] out of expectation that they might teach me something.

Whoosh!

However, what emerged from the flames of hell was.

None other than Shegwen, so.

I, though I didn’t show it, almost fainted for real…!

I summoned an Akshan Demon Hunter.

Why did Shegwen pop out from the flames.

Before figuring out the specific situation.

Glare!

Because Shegwen’s eyes looking at me were full of killing intent.

At first, I thought it was because of his grudge from when he was alive.

Because he was completely defeated by me.

‘Well, accurately speaking, he lost to Ghost Iron…’

However, no matter how much he glared.

I wasn’t someone to get intimidated.

So I casually carried out the training quest and said.

“You have become prouder than before.”

…Prouder.

Are you even creating a newly coined word not in the dictionary now, Granfel.

Not knowing what answer would return, I walked on eggshells while waiting.

Fortunately, Shegwen didn’t say anything.

No, he couldn’t.

The rule of hell.

Just like the Akshan Demon Hunters, Shegwen also could not converse with me, who’s alive.

If asked when I learned about the rules of hell, I would hold out Ghost Iron at my waist.

-So that’s what happened, Atlas.

My Ghost Iron and Shegwen’s beloved sword, Atlas.

Regardless of the rules, swords seemed to be able to converse freely among themselves.

Thanks to that, through Ghost Iron, I could hear what exactly had happened to Shegwen.

And I understood.

‘It makes sense he would resent me!’

Activation of the [Sublime] effect.

Thanks to a small change occurring.

Shegwen fell to hell not as a complete demon, but as a demon harboring pride in his heart. And in such hell, there existed those in the same situation as Shegwen, so.

That’s right.

Even if they corrupted into demons while hunting demons.

It meant our Akshan seniors who did not abandon their pride were there.

Fellow sufferers pitying each other.

That was the trigger that led Shegwen to be reborn as a Demon Hunter.

Then what was the resentful glare?

What else could it be.

Even the Sword Saint shuddered at Akshan’s amount of training, which was close to grinding.

But who is Granfel.

A madman even worse than the Akshan seniors in a way.

He didn’t just let Shegwen, whom he unexpectedly reunited with, pass by…

“Then, putting that aside, let us begin the training.”

“…?”

“This time it is a friendly competition, Shegwen.”

“…!”

.

.

.

Clank!

Shegwen’s joining.

Shegwen’s combat power was something even I couldn’t guess.

However, one thing is certain.

‘He probably became stronger than back then…?’

Setting aside the senior-junior relationship.

I objectively compare them.

The level of the Akshan Demon Hunters and Shegwen.

Above all, I’m a Demon Hunter too, aren’t I?

Thanks to that, I know better than anyone that the Demon Hunter is a class with a few screws loose when they’re not hunting demons. To compare such a Demon Hunter with Shegwen?

A Transcendent.

Not just that, but the peak of the sword.

An existence called the Sword Saint.

‘It’s something to feel sorry to Shegwen for.’

Even me, I was able to win because Shegwen corrupted into a demon.

And [Natural Enemy Relationship] was activated.

If Shegwen had not been corrupted.

‘Even if he didn’t regain his youth, it wouldn’t have been easy.’

I imagine such Shegwen getting stronger while repeating severe training. On top of that, if he hunts the demons that fell to hell, his combat sense wouldn’t rust either.

Indeed, my prediction was accurate.

Ghost Iron opened his mouth.

-Shegwen’s aura blade has become even sharper.

Swaaaaak!

Every time Shegwen swung Atlas, the mechanical dolls lunging at us fell away like autumn leaves. Machine pieces being brutally cut out by the dozens in a single clash.

-Of course, it cannot be compared to us though.

Your confidence remains the same, doppelganger number 3 Ghost Iron.

‘Actually, I’m busy admiring.’

Swift Swordsmanship.

It is Shegwen’s swordsmanship focusing on speed, just as the meaning implies.

It’s perfect to the point it cannot be compared to my incomplete swift swordsmanship.

Crunch!

Shegwen’s surging muscles.

He wouldn’t be able to produce such speed without physical abilities backing it up.

Since the moment I awakened as a player.

I hadn’t missed physical training a single day, but…

‘I can’t match Shegwen.’

Simply put, there is the difference in the years lived.

Even the points I acquired through level ups were mostly invested in [Magic Power]. Later on, if I can grow [Tenacity] up to hundreds of points, it might be a different story, but that should be very far in the future.

However.

“Is that your sword path, Shegwen.”

This damn confidence that’s even worse than Ghost Iron’s!

I eventually raised Ghost Iron in front of such Shegwen.

A message pops up to me.

[You have entered B402-Deep Laboratory.]

At the same time.

A giant mechanical doll coming into view.

If the prototypes seen on the previous floors were human-sized.

That one seemed to be about the size of an average building.

Looking at it, it must be a named monster.

But I do not check that information.

“Did I not say it. Numbers and letters are meaningless.”

While Granfel might have a cool reason.

I just couldn’t afford to do so.

It’s a waste to let this excellent talent rot.

『Granfel’s talent was not limited to just one thing.』

Before my eyes was the completed swift swordsmanship, not an incomplete one.

Besides, the situation has changed from before.

We are not facing off as enemies but cooperating as allies.

Thanks to that, it means I can witness Shegwen’s swift swordsmanship from a different angle.

To summarize it in one line.

‘It means I might be able to get it for free!’

Perhaps completing the swift swordsmanship in this battle.

Wouldn’t I unlock the second accomplishment following the Circle?

It was the moment I was about to drink the kimchi soup (count my chickens before they hatch).

The words recited firmly.

“The path walked by following is meaningless.”

Really, I knew this would happen…!

Granfel’s pride.

There’s no way it would tolerate merely imitating someone else’s swordsmanship exactly as it is.

Not wanting to lose out, Ghost Iron added a word.

-You are absolutely right, Master!

If it was just Granfel alone, I would have tried to break his stubbornness by rationalizing somehow… But now that even Ghost Iron agreed, I neatly gave up on that thought.

Yeah, I guess this is my fate.

‘I have no choice but to open my eyes wider.’

In order to find my own damn sword path!

‘Let’s think positively.’

Actually, depending on how you look at it.

The thorny path chosen now might be the correct answer.

As I said, Shegwen’s sword path wasn’t a path just anyone could walk.

‘In the future, pouring everything into physical abilities might still be not enough.’

In the first place, what was the reason Shegwen became corrupted?

With that brilliant talent.

Even if he only looked at and clung to swift swordsmanship.

Because he could not reach the end of the sword path.

Because his aged physical body could not handle swift swordsmanship.

‘…But, I’m more pathetic than the aged Shegwen.’

In case Granfel yells at me.

Slyly.

I check the status window.

[Name: Granfel Claudi Arpheus Romeo]

[Titles: The Last Adventurer, Sublime, Transcendent]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 630]

[Stats]

Strength: 150 / Agility: 145 / Magic Power: 537 / Luck: 12 / Aesthetics: High / Tenacity: 2

[Available Points: 9]

Though they say numbers aren’t everything…

‘Strength and agility are lacking by far.’

I don’t know about Granfel, but I didn’t have the confidence to keep up with Shegwen. In the end, completing the incomplete swift swordsmanship in my own way and putting it to use might be the best choice.

So.

“Steel yourself, Ghost Iron.”

It means to brace yourself to not disappoint me.

Because my combat power that pulls in everything whether there is or isn’t.

Will be much more pathetic than you think.

-I have been waiting only for this moment, Master!

Creakk-

The giant prototype starting to operate with metallic sounds.

Although a machine, its form was closer to a beast that walks on four legs. Its exceptionally short front legs made it look kind of cute, like a toy, at first glance… But its combat power definitely wouldn’t be cute.

‘Even the humanoid ones were level 1,000.’

That guy is at least a named mob, and its size is incomparably large.

Swordsmanship skills that are pathetic compared to magic.

To face something like that without entrusting my body to Ghost Iron?

Even without the [Natural Enemy Relationship] activated?

‘It can be said I’m crazy to die.’

However, as you can see, I am not alone.

Because right next to me was Shegwen holding Atlas high.

Such Shegwen looks at me.

…What’s this, the corners of his mouth went up subtly?

Ghost Iron said.

-He says let us compete to see who takes it down first!

What the.

Are you playing the friendly competition tune too, Shegwen?

By the way, there’s only one monster, what competition…?

I looked towards Shegwen and flinched.

Oh no.

I forgot.

The quest Raymon Sean presented.

[Quest: Route Selection]

Intruder.

To move forward.

Choose one of the two diverging paths.

-B401-Deep Laboratory (Select)

-B402-Deep Laboratory (Select)

Deep Laboratory.

There were definitely two, right?

It is more natural that there are two named mobs appearing as well…

Ominous predictions always hit the mark.

Screech-

One identically looking giant prototype added.

Just when I thought we’d comfortably beat one up together.

To compete to see who takes it down first.

Our Granfel probably wouldn’t play along with such a tense situation…

“If you desire it, I shall do so.”

No, why accept this request again?

“I will respect your pride of completely returning the debt.”

Anyway, this damn sublime pride is making trouble again.

‘Well, it’s not a common opportunity.’

In fact, Shegwen was an ally strong on a cheat-key level among allies.

Considering how he’ll infinitely become stronger while endlessly repeating grinding in hell… 아니, training and hunting from now on…

Beyond being reliable, I was worried that later Shegwen might snatch away my experience points.

However.

‘I can’t summon him just anytime.’

[Will of Akshan].

Just like the name, it was a skill that inherited the pride of Akshan.

Using such a skill for self-interest clearly goes against Granfel’s spotless integrity and the rules of the Demon Hunter. It means it cannot be abused without a proper reason.

‘Same for Shegwen.’

Only because the opponent is Raymon Sean.

Was I able to summon Shegwen.

Someone worn out by social life would ask.

Even so, if he’s a rookie, can’t you boss him around as you please.

It’s a statement deserving of Granfel’s harsh criticism.

As if pride would allow such an act.

To think this uncommon opportunity has to be spent on a precarious bet.

Whether he knows my burning insides or not, Ghost Iron says.

-Your attitude of devoting yourself without yielding even to defeat is admirable, Sword Saint!

…I honestly feel like I’m going to die from this sickness.

The moment the approval was given.

Shegwen had already rushed into action.

Swaaaaak-

The swirling blue aura blade.

It is fast and flashy.

That is exactly the Sword Saint who has achieved unity of body and sword with Atlas.

It was Shegwen’s true worth.

It was a sword that represented an era in the Arcana Continent.

Of course, I don’t have the time to just stare either.

I kicked off the ground.

I cannot be faster than Shegwen.

But I am confident I am more desperate and fierce than Shegwen.

If Shegwen had walked his sword path while looking solely at swift swordsmanship alone. I had managed to pass through a path full of hardships and adversities, even by struggling, in order not to sink.

It meant I couldn’t abandon that original intention now.

Rumble-

Ghost Iron being dyed black.

The silver aura blade wrapping over it.

At the same time, the magic power blazing from my body.

-…This is?

Slowly.

Did you realize it, Ghost Iron?

That’s right, this is the way your master has lived.

To say it humbly, a hybrid character.

To say it plausibly, Magic Swordsmanship.

To say it more grandly, this is also an anomaly.

Slash-

Magic mixing in with the aura blade every time I swing the sword.

Appropriate magic manifests when attacking, and another appropriate magic manifests when defending. It meant operating swordsmanship and high-level magic simultaneously.

Proficiency in both literary and martial arts.

Having a talent for sword and magic that is embarrassingly natural.

A combat method that only Granfel can execute.

Suddenly, Ghost Iron’s voice was heard.

-Such, unbelievable thing…

I thought he was surprised by my true form where the [Natural Enemy Relationship] wasn’t activated, but.

It didn’t seem to be that.

Because Ghost Iron’s beating was transmitted through my right hand.

-I have finally realized, Master.

What did he suddenly realize.

…My true form?

What can you do if it’s disappointing, this is who I am, so understand it.

-The reason why you did not give a ‘name’ to me alone…!!

…Wait a minute, what?

Ghost Iron, what the hell are you suddenly saying?

Why is a name suddenly popping out?!

‘How do you know the reason even I don’t know?’

Thump-

Regardless of my question, Ghost Iron’s beating grew louder.

That beating was not only to me holding Ghost Iron.

“!”

But it was resounding enough to be transmitted to Shegwen swinging his sword as well.

-It was a misunderstanding. In order to walk your sword path together, I could not be satisfied with a single name, but foolishly I envied Hiel and The End.

…What is it, are you sullen because I didn’t give you a name?

No, you should have said so.

Then I would have given you a name that doesn’t fall behind the two.

An amazing name in many ways.

-However, as of today, I have realized it.

So what did you realize?

Feeling anxious.

Really.

Soon, Ghost Iron’s resolute voice followed.

-That I am an existence that cannot be subordinated to a single name!

…What?

-That’s right, Master.

-I shall do as you desire.

-For this moment alone, I shall be reborn as ‘The Sword that Cuts Through Illusions’.

The, the sword that cuts through… What?

For some reason, Granfel seems like he’s going to let out a satisfied smile.

What the hell is that name?!

The answer to my question was given by the flashing message.

[?]

[Grade: Legendary]

[Restriction: Unknown]

[Effect: Unknown]

[Description: An ego sword with a noble ego.]

→

[Sword that Cuts Through Illusions : Illusion Breaker (Illusion Breaker)]

[Grade: Legendary]…

…The Sword that Cuts Through Illusions, Illusion Breakerrrr?

More than that, this guy.

No, you illusion.

Where did you get this ridiculous cheat-like effect!