“Yaawn…”

I lay belly down on a patch of grass in Central Asia. I left the tower the day before even though I didn’t plan on joining the scramble. I just thought I should help out if anything unexpected happened.

The underground excavation site wouldn’t affect my shooting. I added an obstacle-piercing attribute to my bullets and my anti-material sniper rifle specialized in piercing objects like helicopters and tanks. Stigma’s magic power further strengthened everything.

I also took out the [Blessed Bow of Horus] at 5 in the evening. The sun had set early, so the sky already turned dark. I could activate the [Eye of Horus] for 5 seconds if a fight broke out. Its authority would grant me an unavoidable lock-on. This ability bypassed the world’s law of physics as long as I could see my target. My attacks would hit no matter the obstacles.

I continued observing from a far distance. It took a while to find a hiding place because of the flat terrain, but I perfectly disguised myself with aether. I would look no different than a patch of grass if someone observed from above.

“Hmm…”

My thousand-mile eyes captured some heroes beginning their operation.

— Stay quiet and follow me.

Yun Seung-Ah acted as field leader for the first time in a while. Creator’s Sacred Grace entered the underground excavation site’s 1st floor. Unfortunately, the 1st floor remained closest to the surface and naturally contained subpar artifacts. They would only find low intermediate grade artifacts at best. Of course, Creator’s Sacred Grace happily settled for that. The heavens would be touched by their efforts and grant them a special gift.

The American guilds, General and Lost Child, currently explored the 2nd floor beneath them. These two guilds vied for America’s number one spot and would self-destruct themselves because of it.

Frost Sanctuary explored the 3rd floor and also hired the world’s greatest mercenary group, Jeronimo. The Chameleon Troupe members mixed within their ranks.

Desolate Moon took charge of the 4th floor. Shin Jonghak arrived late and should’ve stolen the leader position, but listened surprisingly well to the guild’s designated leader.

Next, Essence of the Strait on the 5th floor…

“Hmm.”

I subconsciously murmured at the scene. Just now, Chae Nayun’s team encountered the djinn, Gunyuden. This large muscular man belonged to Satan’s Servants. He also murdered Chae Nayun’s mother in the past. Gunyuden stared at Chae Nayun and shouted.

— I’m the one who killed your mom.

***

“I’m the one who killed your mom.”

Those words sunk into Chae Nayun’s heart. Even so, she stayed still because she needed time to process them. Daehyun had used every method in its arsenal to find the murderer, yet they came up short. Chae Nayun had accepted the reality that she would never avenge her mother and already buried that desire deep within her heart. However, the man in front of her pulled out her pent-up sorrow and resentment.

“Stay calm, Chae Nayun.”

Kim Youngjin tried to warn her.

“No one could find a single clue about the assassin who infiltrated Daehyun. Such a light-mouthed fool couldn’t possibly be that assassin.”

Chae Nayun’s face contorted even more despite Kim Youngjin’s convincing words. She glared with bloodshot eyes at the man who claimed to have killed her mother.

“Hah? No one found a single clue? I told everyone I met about my heroic deed, but no one believed me. Don’t tell me, did you buffoons think humanity's power could reach Pandemonium?”

The man took out a large sword that looked more like a sharp piece of rock from a boulder. Only the word barbaric could describe it. Haaa… Chae Nayun sighed with rage and pointed her claymore at the djinn.

“Did you really do it?”

The man grinned from ear to ear. “Why, of course.”

“I see… but that’s too bad…”

The corner of her mouth curled up and a stream of tears fell as she forcefully sneered.

“You have no evidence. I’ve met a lot of guys like you. Djinns all act like having a death wish is something to be proud of.”

Chae Nayun glared at him with disgust. The man rubbed his chin in thought.

“Don’t try to provoke me and shut your damned trap—”

“Evidence? Mmm… evidence… Ah, wasn’t that corpse missing a thumb?”

“…!”

Chae Nayun’s eyes instantly shook. She whimpered under her tightly shut mouth and fierce magic power swirled around her claymore. Kim Youngjin and the other members also covered their weapons with magic power. They naturally grew angry as well.

“My client told me to cut off her finger for proof. That’s exactly what I did.”

“Y-You fucker!”

Chae Nayun couldn’t hold back anymore. Anyone else would’ve reacted the same. She shot forward like a bullet and the magic power from her claymore flashed.

“You son of a bitch!”

A large stone sword collided with the claymore. KWANG! An explosion erupted and magic power dyed the world white.

***

Woong— Yun Seung-Ah briefly paused after feeling a faint rumbling from beneath her. Then she examined the nearby presences. The djinns standing guard on the 1st floor hurried down. Yun Seung-Ah turned to her 7 elite members and excitedly spoke.

“The number of enemies has decreased. We’ll quicken our pace.”

They moved stealthily, but quickly into the 1st floor’s [Area A]. Artifact excavation sites often consisted of multiple areas. The 1st floor only contained mediocre artifacts with many smaller areas like ant tunnels. Their investigation showed 6 areas in total.

“The Chameleon Troupe might also be here, so stay on guard at all times.”

Yun Seung-Ah warned them before entering Area A. No one knew about the Chameleon Troupe’s participation in this artifact scramble, but Yun Seung-Ah felt certain Jain would come.

“By the Chameleon Troupe, you mean…” Kim Suho asked.

“Yes, it’s the organization Black Lotus belongs to. You know it?”

“Yes.”

Kim Suho nodded. He heard about it from Jin Sahyuk when they coincidentally met in a Crevon dungeon. Jin Sahyuk told him a certain organization was chasing her as she ran away. Kim Suho remembered because that was the first time they didn’t fight after meeting each other.

“I guess it’s not too surprising. Their name is slowly spreading nowadays.”

“…”

Then why was Jin Sahyuk chasing Black Lotus? Kim Suho seriously contemplated that when Yi Yeonghan asked.

“Black Lotus is here? As a guard?”

“No, the Chameleon Troupe isn’t a djinn organization. Its members are likely all human.”

That was a problem in itself. Yun Seung-Ah recalled the past Chameleon Troupe.

“In any case, Black Lotus is an archer. He won’t enter such a confined space if he can help it, so don’t worry too much.”

Yun Seung-Ah stopped talking and held the doorknob to Area A. She looked at Kim Suho before opening it.

“Don’t spare any djinns.”

She strictly warned him.

“Understood.”

Kim Suho hesitated, but nodded nonetheless. He could still recall memories of his home world that transformed into the demon realm. Djinns who sold their souls became no different than devils. An existence without a soul couldn’t be considered human.

“Then we’re going in.”

Yun Seung-Ah opened the door and the 8 members stormed in. No one spared a single djinn guarding Area A and they all died without even being able to scream for help.

Woong— The elite members from Korea’s former rank 1 guild could all sense the rumbling beneath them.

***

The battle on the 5th floor began disadvantageously. They had 10 members vs 30 djinns and couldn’t easily make up the difference in numbers. Not to mention, these djinns felt stronger than ordinary ones. However, Essence of the Strait’s heroes used the skills they acquired from the tower and slowly gained the advantage. Chae Nayun greatly contributed by holding up their leader alone.

“You’re stronger than I thought.”

Gunyuden swung his stone sword as he murmured in surprise.

KWANG!

Chae Nayun defended the attack and sneered. “Are you sure you’re not just weak?”

“Mmm.”

Gunyuden swung again and finally destroyed Chae Nayun’s qi reinforcement. She quickly retreated and reproduced another qi reinforcement.

Gunyuden smirked. “I don’t think so.”

“Hmph.”

Chae Nayun smirked even bigger after recovering her qi reinforcement.

“You should’ve cut off my neck if you had such a trick up your sleeve. Watch and learn, idiot.”

Chae Nayun stretched her sword out. About 10 meters stood between them, a distance no sword could normally cover. However… Tzzzzz… Magic power rose from her claymore and formed a giant blade.

“What’s that?”

“—!”

Chae Nayun attacked without replying. The magic power blade absorbed even the smallest particles of magic in the surroundings as she swung it. Gunyuden took the blow without difficulty. Crack!

“What’s this?”

A part of the stone sword shattered the moment it touched Chae Nayun’s magic power. The weight of pure magic power couldn’t be taken lightly. Gunyuden’s face flickered with unease as Chae Nayun continued with horizontal slashes, vertical slashes, cross slashes, spin slashes… Her 10 meter blade dominated the entire area. Gunyuden frantically blocked, but his stone sword broke down with every exchange and the duel gradually approached its end.

For some reason, Gunyuden seemed too carefree. He smiled as he received Chae Nayun’s attacks and recalled what she said earlier. You should’ve cut off my neck if you had such a trick up your sleeve. That’s exactly what he planned to do.

“—!”

A gap appeared in Chae Nayun’s defense as she made a huge swing. Gunyuden threw a glance to the side and something immediately fell on Chae Nayun’s shoulder.

“What!”

She quickly tried to throw it off, but a sharp pain struck her back and her body lost all its strength.

“What… did you…”

“Hehehehe.”

The figure that fell on Chae Nayun’s back lightly jumped and returned to Gunyuden’s side. She glared at him while panting.

“You cowardly son of a bitch.”

“Ah, well, to tell you the truth, it was him. The one who killed your mom.”

Gunyuden smiled and pointed to the short, ugly man snickering.

“He’s my brother, Yudoren.”

“Y-You b-bastard.”

Chae Nayun clenched her teeth. Brother? You damned bastards! She tried to stop the bleeding with her magic power, but the younger brother’s gift prevented her bleeding from stopping. Her vision blurred as quickly lost blood.

“Chae Nayun!”

Kim Youngjin shouted. However, the other djinns stopped him. She couldn’t expect any help, but then she recalled an item as she gasped for breath. Call me if you’re ever in danger. She recalled that man’s words…

Chae Nayun tried to take something out of her pocket. However, the small man stopped her. Yudoren threw a knife that pierced her hand, but Chae Nayun didn’t feel any pain. That wasn’t a good sign.

“…”

She glared at the two djinns as her bloodshot vision blurred. Not now. The sworn enemies who killed Mom are standing in front of me. I can’t give up now. I can’t… Chae Nayun unleashed her magic power for one final attack, but did the heavens abandon her?

Chwaaak!

An arrow descended through the walls and mercilessly pierced her heart. She blankly looked down at the magic arrow in her body and instinctively knew the attack had been fatal.

Tears streamed from her face and a light flashed before her eyes. Memories of happy and painful times appeared. Strangely, she saw Kim Hajin in both memories.

“Ah…”

She slowly closed her eyes.

Maybe it’s better to just die like this. It’s been too painful. My consciousness is slowly fading now. Right. That’s enough. I tried hard. I tried so hard. It’s okay to rest. Mom and oppa will understand…

Still, her death didn’t come after 5 seconds. Then 10 seconds passed. Chae Nayun managed to think again. Wait. It doesn’t hurt?

“What is this?”

***

I received an alert about a settings change for the first time in a while.

[Problem – It doesn’t make sense that a giant wielding a stone sword can assassinate someone without leaving any evidence.] [Modification – A younger brother with a different skillset has been added as the assassin, creating a more logical cause.]

“Haaa…”

A strange djinn had been added. Chae Nayun would’ve won if things continued. I watched everything and raised the Blessed Bow of Horus that could shoot healing arrows. She could overcome her trauma by herself as long as I healed her injuries, so I decided not to kill Gunyuden and Yudoren.

The current time read 5:59 P.M. I activated the Eye of Horus with one minute left. My vision instantly expanded and thin strands of light entered my eyes. This state only lasted 5 seconds, so I had no time to revel in the mystical sensation. My body moved automatically.

I looked down at the world. 4 seconds. And set my target. 3 seconds. I released the bowstring. 2 seconds. The arrow flew through the air. 1 second. It seeped into the ground and struck the target.

As I watched the results of my action…

“…?”

Killing intent suddenly surrounded me and a familiar figure flew towards me.

“Hey!”

A cold voice called me. I twisted my head and stared at her. Goosebumps immediately rose on my arms. We stared into each other’s eyes with only a hair’s breadth between us. Jin Sahyuk covered herself in magic power and grinned.

“You…”

I couldn’t continue as a fist infused with magic power struck my stomach. It easily broke through aether’s defense. I coughed a mouthful of blood as my body shot back like a soccer ball. She hurled countless magic weapons at me.

***

The fight inside the excavation site also affected the outside world. Magic power shook the air and the earth. However, Jin Sahyuk only kept her eyes on one man. He observed the excavation site under a strange grass-like membrane.

She wanted to charge at him, but held herself back. First, she hid her killing intent and magic power to enjoy even greater happiness later.

I will crush you at the most crucial moment…

KOONG!

Thankfully, that moment didn’t take long to arrive. The excavation site shook and Kim Hajin took out a bow. Then he formed a magic power arrow and his eyes turned blue as well.

Jin Sahyuk’s instincts roared that she should kill him now. She drew out every ounce of magic power in her body and shot forward. In less than a second, she reached her prey and smiled at his flustered expression.

“Hey!”

His wide eyes filled her with joy. However, this joy soon transformed into rage.

“You…”

First, she punched his stomach to shut him up. He went flying just like that. As expected, she could beat him outside the tower. However, she didn’t chase him and sent her magic power weapons instead.

B-B-BOOM!

The weapons rained on him. One, two, three, four, five… Counting them would be as pointless as counting raindrops during a storm. Her happiness increased with every explosion and her body tingled with delight. An electrifying sense of ecstasy traveled down her spine.

“Haa…”

She finally stopped her bombardment and covered her face with her hands. Jin Sahyuk staggered from side to side in pleasure. She looked at the man’s tomb through the gaps between her fingers. Dirt, grass, and a current of magic power covered him. Her cheeks flushed at the sight. However, this blissful moment only lasted a moment.

“Did I finish it too quickly? Hmm.”

Jin Sahyuk felt happy with the result, but somewhat regretted finishing him off so quickly. If possible, she wanted to toy with him more and make an example out of him.

“…”

Rustle, rustle. Jin Sahyuk’s eyes widened. Rustle, rustle. It sounded like a living person. Rustle, rustle. Kim Hajin hadn’t died.

“Auugh…”

He survived even though magic power buried him deep underground. His body suffered various cuts, but he hadn’t died. Then he dusted the dirt and rocks off his body. Jin Sahyuk felt surprised, but also happy at the same time.

She smiled that her wish had been granted.

“Great, now that’s more like—”

“Wow!” His sudden exclamation interrupted her. Kim Hajin spoke apathetically and ruined her enjoyment.

“What do you mean wow?”

She frowned at him.

“This is the first time I’ve felt anything like this.”

He continued to mumble incomprehensible things. Did he damage his brain? Jin Sahyuk created more magic power weapons in the air. Kim Hajin glanced at them and began to laugh.

“Hahahaha…”

“Did you go crazy?”

“No.” Kim Hajin shook his head.

“I just found it funny. You actually came to find me?”

He sounded full of leisure. Jin Sahyuk almost berated his arrogance when she felt something with her body. He emanated an overwhelming power. Not magic power or a magic spell, but something much purer.

“This will be my first time fighting in close range.”

He murmured nonsensically and shot forward. A crater appeared where he kicked off and a dust cloud rose behind him.

“…!”

Immediately afterward, intense pain struck Jin Sahyuk’s solar plexus. Her magic power armor instantly broke. Jin Sahyuk coughed blood from the devastating punch. Her vision blurred and every internal organ throbbed. Kim Hajin’s face popped out from the dust cloud before the pain even left her body. His wolf-like eyes glowed blue and his monstrous body easily caught up with her body in flight.

“I told you last time.”

He reached out and grabbed her face. Then he murmured.

“That I’ll kill you if I ever see you.”

“…”

Jin Sahyuk blankly stared at him with half-closed eyes.

“That it’ll be the same inside and outside the tower.”

Finally, he made a twisted smile.

“Why didn’t you listen?”

He smashed her body into the ground.