"Are you okay?" I asked Kerenos as the flames scattered. His body was already scarred. His health was at the bottom and he was truly in imminent danger.

...It was a close call. I would've been too late if it wasn't for Shadow Play.

He told me, "Kuhuhu, I don't have the power to stand up."

"Tsk tsk, you weak guy. Rest!"

I looked around but there were no longer any places for people to live. I wondered if this was truly the Windia that I knew. I was a little late dropping off Mido at the capsule room on the way and almost lost Kerenos. I asked him, "Did you make the whirlwind?"

"Yes. It couldn't be helped."

He was a great man. I knew he was strong but I hadn't expected him to hide this type of power. Then he was looking out for me in the past? This bad guy.

It was at this time that Gorba stood up. "Gruruk! Hu.man.di.e."

I saw the familiar eyes and had mixed feelings. There was an earthquake as Kerenos' voice was heard from behind me. 

"Old man. That guy..."

"I know. He has already lost his sense of reason."

"Please settle this. I think I need to sleep for a bit."

At the same time, Kerenos closed his eyes. He was exhausted. Meanwhile, Gorba rushed forward.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

I realized that I was facing the source of the earthquake that shook the ground. It was a complete error of judgment—that was what Gorba's eyes were telling me. Then I received a whisper.

-Crystal: As expected of Father! Were you the one who created the firestorm just now?

-Jackson: Yes. I'm sorry for being late.

-Crystal: No. I'm glad you're here.

-Jackson: I'm sorry but it's too early to be relieved.

-Crystal: Yes...?

I sighed as I saw Gorba's health. It might not have been a direct hit but 70% of his health still remained after being hit by Sun Road. I thought of the fact that he had been hit by that ma.s.sive tornado and my head was stirred. I could understand why Kerenos was in such a state.

-Jackson: He is strong. It might be impossible by myself.

-Crystal: He is that strong?

She couldn't see it in person but she was quite fl.u.s.tered as she imagined it in her head. Kim Sujeong continued, -Crystal: Father, what is your Heavenly Star?

Heavenly Star? What was she saying all of a sudden? Then what was my Heavenly Star? The answer came from Prometheus.

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' says it is 'Monarch of Brilliant Promise.'] [1] 

Ah, that was it. Then Gorba's axe struck at a high speed. Rocks flew up from the place where the axe struck. I thought it would shatter the bones in my forearm if I was. .h.i.t with this but I hadn't expected it to be this bad. However, it would be rude for me to talk about this guy's age… [2]

The axe flew once again.

"Bulls.h.i.+t."

Normally, a big person should be slow but this guy was strong and fast. I watched the axe narrowly pa.s.s by me and a chill went down my spine. I started to speed up. My scattered afterimages revolved around Gorba. Fortunately, Gorba's agility didn't surpa.s.s mine.

-Crystal: Father? Are you okay? Is everything okay?

-Jackson: I'm sorry. I'm a bit busy right now. Ah, my Heavenly Star is Monarch of Brilliant Promise.

-Crystal: Huh? This is the first time I've heard of such a Heavenly Star... there was something like that?

Thump! Gorba stomped his feet. Rocks surged and blocked my way, forcing me to stop moving my legs. s.h.i.+t. He was smart and used his head.

-Jackson: I'm sorry, I'm fighting right now. Can you tell me what you need?

-Crystal: Ah, I'm sorry! The lord has a Star Piece!

Star Piece? What was that?

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' has wide eyes.]

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is telling you to have the Star Piece brought over!]

-Jackson: I don't understand but just bring it over first.

-Crystal: Huh? However, there is a restriction to use it...

-Jackson: Prometheus says to bring it over.

-Crystal: I understand. I'll come as quickly as possible!

She seemed to trust Prometheus. Well, I had told her the story so it was natural.

s.h.i.+t. The opponent was swinging it again. I dodged the axe and asked Prometheus, "Hey, is there any way?"

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' says it will be hard to win right now.]

...I asked the wrong question. Even so, I had to do something. I quickly attacked Gorba's right foot when I saw a gap. The damage window opened along with the sound. However...

[The target's physical resistance is strong.]

[80% less physical damage is received.]

[The target's attribute resistance is high. He isn't burned.]

"This is crazy..."

There was nearly no damage at all. At the same time, Gorba's left leg made a surprise strike. I couldn't avoid the sudden attack.

"Hup!" I hit a building with a loud sound. Then I emerged from it while cleaning the debris from my body. "I don't think Keen Insight will work."

It was at a speed that couldn't be avoided. My stats were too different from his. Look at the kick that decreased my health by half.

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is telling you to use Insight.]

"Insight? Isn't that something that can only be used on people?"

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' says no with a flick of his booger.]

"I guess not. By the way, why do you keep flicking your booger? Dirty guy."

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is flicking a booger with two fingers.]

"If it is like this, I'll put my booger into the dish you will eat."

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is panicked.]

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' has blood flowing from his nose.]

In any case, as he said, I decided to use Insight. Gorba was walking slowly. Maybe it was because he lost his sense of reason but his movements seemed a bit slow.

"Insight."

[Apostle Skill: Insight has been used.]

[Most of the information isn't yet known.]

It was ridiculous thinking about it again. I didn't know most of the information so I didn't think Insight was meaningful. I let out a small sigh as the information window opened.

[Insight Information]

[Name: Gorba

Level: 200

Affiliation: Chief of The Blue Tooth Tribe

Stats: ?

Skills: ?

Weaknesses: Will be freed from the control when the necklace is released.

* He is being controlled by certain forces.

-Current goodwill: 0% (can be recruited as a companion at 100%)]

As expected, I didn't know his stats and skills. Fortunately, I could see the weaknesses. "It is the necklace."

That was why Gorba's necklace and the piece of Ragneos' bead had resonated. This seemed to be the reason. I took a deep breath and started running toward Gorba. I quickly circled around him and tied up his legs with a cobweb. I tied up his arms and legs but it was useless. Gorba used a little strength and the cobwebs were destroyed. 

"...He released it with strength. He is a really ignorant guy."

This was the rope knot I learned during my days as a North Korean spy. It was a knot that the enemy couldn't unravel easily and I had never seen someone solve it using force.

"Indeed, he isn't a person."

I once again realized that this was virtual reality, not reality. The freed Gorba rushed toward me. By the way, what was this...? Blue lightning was coming in this direction. It was at such a high speed that my eyes opened unknowingly. At this moment, blue lightning appeared. 

"...A person?"

It was a man. He wore blue lightning and blue sparks popped from one hand. Once he reached Gorba, he raised his blue fist to Gorba's face. Gorba fell with the loud sound of thunder. His huge body caused another earthquake. The man clad with blue lightning appeared by my side, so fast that I was stunned by the speed. "I am called Gyeonso Dragon. I'm here to help."

He appeared to be in his 40s and greeted me with a salute that he must've seen in Chinese movies. Somehow, I felt like I had to follow suit. "I'm Jackson. Thank you for your help."

"No need. Where are the other party members?"

"There are none. I'm dealing with him alone."

"Huh...?"

This person seemed quite surprised. Maybe he wanted to form a party.

[The user 'Gyeonso Dragon' has applied for a party.]

[A party has been formed.]

Gyeonso Dragon was fl.u.s.tered when he saw the party window. "4-41?!"

He looked amazed when he saw my level. I was the same. This friend's level was really high. I immediately used the Insight skill.

[Insight Information]

[Name: Gyeonso Dragon

Level: 102

Heavenly Star: Monarch of Lone Friends.h.i.+p

Star Name: Fist Star's Beloved

Stats: ?

Skills: ?

Weaknesses: He is focused on fist attacks and his foot skills are weak.]

His Heavenly Star was Monarch of Lone Friends.h.i.+p. However, what was Fist Star's Beloved? I muttered, "You ate a Star Fruit."

"How do you...? Do you know me?"

"No, I also ate a Star Fruit."

"Huh...?" He seemed surprised again but quickly nodded. Then Prometheus spoke up.

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is telling you to b.u.mp fists together.]

b.u.mp fists? I didn't know the reason but I held out a fist to Gyeonso Dragon. Meanwhile, Gorba got up and ran.

"b.u.mp fists with me."

"...?"

"There is no time to explain."

We b.u.mped fists and something amazing happened.

[The star cl.u.s.ter has been formed.]

[The name of the star cl.u.s.ter is Star Coffee House.]

[The owner of the star cl.u.s.ter is 'Prometheus.']

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' has entered.]

[The fist star, 'Raitra,' has entered.]

Star cl.u.s.ter? Star Coffee House? No, what was this? Who was Raitra? I wasn't the only one who was fl.u.s.tered. Gyeonso Dragon was also fl.u.s.tered. The even more confusing thing...

[The fist star, 'Raitra,' is bowing to Prometheus.]

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is. .h.i.tting him on the shoulder.]

What was this...

I want to ask but Gorba's axe was flying. Gorba jumped from a distance, landed with an earthquake, and quickly raised his fist. We were distracted by the sudden attack. As dust flew, Gyeonso Dragon attacked. "Lightning Dragon Power!"

His attack was blocked by Gorba's arm. Gyeonso Dragon was fl.u.s.tered. "He blocked it?"

Gorba's right arm aimed at him but I threw it back with my fiery feet. "Are you okay?"

"Thank you. That guy is strong. You have been fighting him alone?"

"It was more of a one-sided beating than a fight. I was able to successfully attack for the first time thanks to you."

"Then let's go with a joint attack."

"Okay."

We rushed toward him. Gorba was confused when the number of opponents suddenly grew to two. He was hesitating over who to attack when I struck first. Indeed, his defense was too strong. I just tried these attacks and wore out the number of uses for Rising Sun.

I literally climbed up his body. Spider Climbing meant I could climb the monster's body. I started running against gravity on Gorba's back while activating Sun Road. The runaway train of h.e.l.l once again started. A ma.s.sive fire swept over Gorba as I carved my footprints onto his back.

Gyeonso Dragon also helped. "Lightning Dragon Barrage."

His fists were dyed blue and he launched lightning at great speed. The festival of lightning began and Gorba screamed, "Kuaaaaak!"

Gorba collapsed along with the eastern wall. A vast meadow appeared between the crumbling walls. I hadn't dealt a lot of damage because he was fire-resistant but Gyeonso Dragon's attacks reduced his health by quite a lot. We gasped as we watched Gorba, who still had 50% of his health.

"Phew, he is a very solid guy."

"I agree. You are also great."

"You're overpraising me. Pant. Pant."

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is applauding.]

[The fist star, 'Raitra,' is raising his fist.]

...These guys were excited. Gyeonso Dragon saw the same message as me and laughed. However, there was a problem.

[Gorba has invoked 'Survival Instinct.']

[Gorba's health has been restored by 10%.]

[Defense has doubled and all resistances have increased by 50%.]

What type of b.a.s.t.a.r.d...

I was panicked. He still had 50% health yet he became harder and restored 10% of his health. This was the same as a bolt from the blue.

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is coughing.]

[The fist star, 'Raitra,' is frowning.]

"I'm going crazy."

At this moment, a familiar voice was heard from behind me. "Father!"

I looked back and saw Kim Sujeong running. The knights and the lord of Windia were by her side. A short time later, they arrived before me. I asked her, "The Star Piece?"

"It's been a while, Jackson. It is here." Edward pointed to a small, white pendant around his neck. He asked, "Can you really use this?"

Use? I never said that. I looked at Kim Sujeong. She gave a small nod. It seemed she had said so to persuade the lord. I told Edward, "I don't know but there will be a way." 

[The first apostle, 'Prometheus,' is telling you to summon Solar.]

I summoned Solar as he said. The flames fluttered and the knights were fl.u.s.tered. Prometheus possessed Solar and opened his mouth, "Master of the Star Piece, the time has come to keep the brilliant promise."

[1] Changed Lord to Monarch

[2] Remember that he considers age=level