Chapter 146
It was only natural for?Antony to react like this. Most times, the powers constellations bestowed were gorgeous. It had to be majestic enough to represent their pride and name, so they paid attention to what they gave their minions!
… In comparison, the power that Choi Yeonseung showed was modest. However, from the perspective of those with discerning eyes, something had definitely changed.
“Magic power...!” Illeya exclaimed, sounding completely astonished. Antony used detection magic as soon as he heard her. The flames of magic power enveloping Choi Yeonseung became clearly visible to him.
“!”
Despite seeing how strong it was for himself, he found it hard to believe. The magic power was so intense that it could be considered one of the best among A-grade hunters.
“I see! In exchange for looking plain and simple, it buffs up the amount of your magic power!”
If so, then Antony could understand the reasoning behind it. A buff that increased magic power was one of the strongest powers that a constellation could bestow.
It seemed simple at first glance, but increasing one’s magic power was difficult. After all, it didn’t just give them more of it. Rather, the power also had to strengthen the user physically to withstand the increase and mentally to ensure they would be able to control it.
From a constellation’s perspective, humans were no different from mere ants. They had to handle and strengthen the humans very carefully so that the humans wouldn’t explode. That was why they didn’t care about human lives. The constellations just gave them skills and used them as they saw fit, much like what the Warrior Stained with Madness and Blood did.
Considering Choi Yeonseung’s constellation increased Choi Yeonseung’s magic power like this without making him suffer any penalty, it was understandable that Choi Yeonseung believed in him. So what if it was a bit plain? The power was still amazing!
‘... Is this okay?’ Choi Yeonseung wondered. While fighting, he used his five senses to observe the situation around him.
Was this too plain? Hearing someone say it was plain bothered him a bit.
Since he had to get more business—no, faith in the future... Should he think more about its appearance? Letting out steam, shooting beams out of his eyes...
-Don’t think about nonsense!
‘Don’t worry, I am concentrating.’
The combat experience Choi Yeonseung had accumulated over 10,000 years had been tempered to the point where he could create a course menu for what to eat tonight while fighting to the death. His calm mind no longer lost composure regardless of the circumstances. It was one of Choi Yeonseung’s weapons.
‘It’s tougher than I thought.’
Compared to the hydra, which couldn’t even lift its head up?in comparison, the Argo was definitely a strong monster. It was called a sea dragon for a reason.
The Argo had a large body covered in scales dozens of times harder than steel, absorbing and dispersing the impact that it received. It even ignored all magic that hit it. Due to its immense defensive capabilities, it was treated as an A-grade monster.
‘But it’s not like I can’t kill it.’
There were martial art techniques that could damage monsters with high defense. The Internal Heavy Strike Technique was one such technique. It destroyed what was inside of any surface it struck. It was a very advanced technique, but Choi Yeonseung had to learn it as soon as he fell into the Abyss. He couldn’t have defeated the bastards that had great defenses there without using internal energy to destroy them from within.
Other martial artists would still have to concentrate even in a restricted environment to perfectly activate the Internal Heavy Strike Technique.
Bam!
-■■■■!
However, Choi Yeonseung just moved quickly from side to side as he struck the Argo’s torso with his fists. The enormous energy each hit contained dug into Argo, causing a huge ripple. The two looked like David and Goliath, but it was David who was overpowering Goliath.
‘Ah. Even though I just raised my power to peak class, this is far more comfortable.”
Choi Yeonseung conserved his sword energy since still had to minimize his internal energy consumption. He had just barely reached the peak-class level again, after all. Nevertheless, raising his level from 300 to 380 was insanely comfortable.
Concentrated energy? There was no need to force it. He could just keep hitting and running instead of using a strong technique, which would require a lot of internal energy, to cut through his opponent in one blow.
Choi Yeonseung planned this to be a long battle from the beginning anyway. Like an out-boxer tying up his opponent’s feet and swerving around to unleash attacks, Choi Yeonseung intended to make Argo sustain accumulating damage.
Having raised his level, he currently had plenty more internal energy to use for dodges and attacks.
Bam bam bam!
He repeatedly appeared, attacked, and disappeared. Antony and Illeya couldn’t help admiring Choi Yeonseung during the battle. From the perspective of Choi Yeonseung’s opponent, he was probably like an annoying dog!
-■... ■■■■!
Beaten over and over, the Argo came to a realization. This little mortal was toying with it! Finding Choi Yeonseung unbelievable, the Argo roared with anger and tried to shake him off.
[The Argo is calling out ‘Storm of Awls.’]
[The Argo is calling out ‘Scale Vortex.’]
The dark clouds, which had been gathering since earlier, merged with the Argo’s magic power and started running wild. The thunderstorm it created was accompanied by heavy rain and strong skin-ripping winds. Antony and Illeya immediately raised their shields and held on.
‘A tornado!’ Choi Yeonseung soared up high into the sky as he clicked his tongue. The water was starting to frantically envelop the Argo.
“A-grade monsters certainly wouldn’t die that easily, would they?”
The monsters seemed to be researching how to screw people over. Otherwise, they couldn’t be so annoying every time. The Argo clearly intended to destroy this area, get rid of Choi Yeonseung, and head to the sea, which was nearby, to recover its strength before engaging in another battle. Rather than just watching it happen, Choi Yeonseung decided it would be best to use another power skill. It could enter the eyes of other constellations and they could be prepared for it in constellation battles, but...
‘It doesn’t matter. I can win.’
He had always won in unfavorable situations and he intended to continue to do so. He couldn’t let this bastard descend and go on a rampage!
-Undefeated Incarnation's Realm Declaration!
[Undefeated Incarnation's Realm Declaration has been activated!]
[The power of your existence is changing the world!]
[With the Undefeated Incarnation of Training’s name and existence at stake, you have created a stage for an honorable single combat.]
[Leaving is prohibited until one of the combatants have been defeated.]
-■■■■■■? ?
The Argo was shocked. The world suddenly twisted, and the Argo soon found itself somewhere completely different from where it should be, which was covered in water and allowed the Argo to call as much rain and wind as it wanted. ?Now, it was in a desolate wasteland surrounded by darkness.
‘The wasteland of the Abyss.’
They were currently in the wasteland of the Abyss, which was where Choi Yeonseung first fell. It had been over 10,000 years since he had last been here, but Choi Yeonseung could still vividly remember it. He couldn’t believe it was being used in this way.
“Hey.”
Choi Yeonseung called out to the Argo, which was on dry land. In response, it stared at him with bewildered eyes. To the Argo, he no longer seemed to be easy prey. Rather, he now felt like a hunter. This tiny human emitted pressure that overwhelmed it.
“Let’s continue, shall we?”
-......!
***
-An A-grade monster has appeared near Baengnokdam! An A-grade monster has appeared near Baengnokdam!
-A monster believed to be the Argo has appeared!
-Call for backup!
“Why did you choose hiking?!”
“How was I supposed to know an A-grade monster was hidden at the top of Hallasan?” Jeong Wonuk protested, sounding distressed. He chose hiking with good intentions, not to watch the exchange exhibition participants die.
“Argo is a monster rated at least B+...”
“It would be better to consider it an A-grade. The same goes for its magic power. Give the order to evacuate and find the hunters! Make those already at the top come down!”
“There are hunters fighting at the top of the mountain!”
“What? Why?! Have they gone insane?!”
“The hunters from Icarus are trying to hold down the Argo?”
Jeong Wonuk was flustered. A-grade hunters were essential when dealing with A-grade monsters. After all, the hunt would fail unless they damage their target. The Icarus clan had a lot of talented hunters, but they were still B-grade.
“Choi Yeonseung might be crazy, but even he can’t be stupid enough to attack an enemy he is no match for, right?”
“You’re not sure?”
“... I just realized something. Let’s go!”
Jeong Wonuk drew his favorite Blue Dragon Sword and rushed ahead. Han Seha followed him with an anxious expression, which was rare for her. Two A-grade hunters could deal with the monster, but they had to think about how much damage they would sustain. In the worst-case scenario, the Icarus clan and other hunters would already be wiped out before reinforcements even arrived.
‘Please...! Choi Yeonseung! Just buy us some time! I’ll save you!’ Jeong Wonuk gritted his teeth.
‘He can’t die...’ Han Seha thought.
“?”
They became flustered as they rushed over. The dark clouds and storm forming on top of Hallasan disappeared. What?
“......!!”
Upon reaching the top, they saw an even more amazing sight. Choi Yeonseung and the Icarus hunters were standing on Argo’s corpse.
“That’s such a bad angle. The photos are.. not that good.”
“Can’t we stick with just one photo?” Choi Yeonseung asked.
Illeya shook her head. Lee Changuk, who arrived late, also shook his head and chimed in.
“Photography is really important.”
“... Fine. I understand. Take as many photos as you want.”
“......”
“......”
Jeong?Wonuk?and Han Seha stared at the scene with open mouths. The hunters here had already finished their hunt and were taking verification shots.
What the hell happened?
***
“Chairman-nim.”
“What is it?”
“I don’t have any complaints about your orders, and I don’t intend to disobey them either, but...”
“Yet what you’re saying shows that there are some doubts lurking in your head,” Hwang Gyeongryong said as he turned around, causing the hunter to lower his head.
Hwang Gyeongryong had suddenly sent a text message to available hunters saying, ‘I’m going on vacation.’
As a result, the hunters entered a state of emergency.
-What is this?
-What does he mean?
How could they understand the meaning behind Hwang Gyeongryong’s deep words? The hunters had no choice but to cry and follow along.
Currently, they were on one of the most elite US military aircraft carriers of the 7th fleet, which was in charge of the Western Pacific region. At Hwang Gyeongryong’s request, it headed to Jeju Island.
“Is he trying to attack South Korea?”
“Possibly. He used to hate South Korea.”
“Maybe he wants to occupy Jeju Island and declare it as an independent country...”
It sounded crazy, but the hunters took it seriously, Considering Hwang Gyeongryong’s influence and power, it was certainly doable.
Hwang Gyeongryong took out his smartphone. It was a text from Choi Yeonseung.
-Hyung. I already defeated the monster. I don’t think I need your help anymore.
“......”
The?hunters around him?thought they saw moisture?gather?in the corners of Hwang Gyeongryong’s eyes.
… Was it due to the atmosphere?
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l