137 – Returner’s Deception (4)
5Th day since the alliance between humans and dwarves was concluded. The fortress had changed a lot. Either internally or externally.
First of all, the appearance of the fortress itself changed.
“… Phew, is this the end?”
“Wow, I made this?”
If someone who cleared the 11th floor in the past visits this fortress again, they will say, ‘Is this the right place?’
Realizing that storing all supplies in one warehouse was unstable, the dwarves built two more warehouses, so even if one warehouse was robbed, they could rest assured that they had the remaining warehouses.
And a wall. The physical height of the barrier itself has increased. At first, players had no idea how to raise the spiky wooden barrier… I wanted to do it, but it worked because I carved a groove and inserted it.
“What you did was just lay the foundation, children. “The true beauty of that wall is engraved within.”
In addition, various magical circuits were newly engraved within it, so the defensive power of the barrier itself was improved to an unprecedented degree. The dwarves were confident that even the ‘Skeleton Killer’ would no longer be able to cross the barrier.
This is not all.
“How did you catch such a big bear?”
“hehehe, don’t climbers use some strength? “I heard bear meat is good for stamina. Let’s try it today.”
Through their experiences over the past five days, the dwarves and humans realized that the skeleton killer would not appear if many people gathered together. Of course, this was entirely Kim Jun-ho’s intention, but people thought, ‘No matter how powerful he is, he shouldn’t be pushed out of the crowd.’
That’s why it’s the same when you go to fetch water. Same when we go hunting. When I went to cut down trees, I went with him… An atmosphere of mutual recognition was created between dwarves and humans.
“The dwarves are definitely… The technical skills are good. Should we call it know-how? The details were alive. A craftsman is a craftsman.”
Humans recognized the dwarves’ dexterity. The meticulousness and attention to detail that comes from the unique craftsmanship of dwarves has reached a level that is difficult for humans to follow.
“Climbers, they have good strength. “How can I lift that thing by myself?”
“Maybe it’s because he’s a climber, but he also has a sharp mind. “I know a lot of fascinating knowledge.”
The dwarves recognized the fighting ability and creativity of humans. Of course, the physical ability was thanks to the status window obtained at the top, and the creativity was also the credit of ‘some’ players majoring in science or engineering… Anyway, isn’t the fact that it was recognized important?
“No one is starving anymore, right?”
“Of course. “I heard there’s some meat left over so I’ll make beef jerky.”
“What about beer? “What happened to my beer?”
“That’s… I guess I’ll have to wait two more days. “Do you think it’s easy to find barley in the forest?”
“f*ck… “
The fortress has now regained its former glory. Materials were actually more abundant than before, and the defense of the fortress was a step forward.
Moreover, as they lived together, humans and dwarves got to know each other well. Dwarves are inherently good people, and humans are friendly people with no flaws in their personalities… Some people who became friends by sharing food also appeared.
“You said we had a fight? It doesn’t show at all?”
People who recently entered the 11th floor were unaware that there was a conflict in the past, so you can roughly imagine the atmosphere.
“I… “I still can’t forgive humans.”
“… “
“But… I know that the humans here are not at fault. They are essentially good people. My friend is… “It must have gone to a good place, right?”
“Okay then. “Of course.”
The dwarves’ funeral, which lasted for 10 days, ended two days ago. Conflicts melted away in time as we stayed together.
“When this situation is over… “I will sell things to humans again.”
“… Thank you.”
Same as before… Although we can’t go back to the way things were. The dwarves forgave the humans. The humans also forgave the dwarves. They acknowledged that there was nothing wrong with each other.
“Then now… “
Now there is only one problem left.
“The skeleton killer… “I have to find it.”
The killer is still alive somewhere in the forest. Now that the players are gathered together, she doesn’t dare to unleash her evil spirit… Players will have to leave the 11th floor at some point.
“There is no way he can get a pass.”
Without a passage seat, she cannot leave the 11th floor. No, it is a complete uncertainty whether he will get out even if he gives the bastard a pass.
In the end… For the dwarves. For future players…
“That guy… “You must kill him.”
The skeleton killer must die. That is a clear fact that everyone agrees on.
But how? Who?
First of all, finding it is a problem. If we go in groups of 5 like we do now, it will take a year to find him. However, if they split up, it is obvious that they will all be destroyed individually.
No matter how you find it, it is a problem. If you find it, can you fight and win?
Yes, since they are top level players, they will be able to fight and win. However, ‘whether it is possible to win without suffering’ is another question.
“… “
“… “
Although it is not said, everyone knows it implicitly. It is impossible to win without sacrifice. If the killer begins to give his all with his mysterious skills, it is as obvious as fire that a considerable sacrifice will follow.
When everyone remains silent in front of the expected sacrifice.
“I have a way.”
There was a hero who stepped forward alone. Her name is Choi Ji-won.
“I think everyone knows that I defeated the ‘Master of the City’ on the second floor.”
“… Yes?”
“There is one trait I gained as a reward.”
-Heart of Seomjeon [S]
When activated, all magical power is consumed and replaced with thunder attribute magical power. All physical abilities, including reaction speed, are greatly increased, and all attacks inflict additional brain damage. During the duration, the user receives continuous damage, and ‘Heart of the Flash’ continues until all brain attribute magic is consumed.
“If this is… “You can win.”
“… “Are you saying you’re going to fight alone now?”
From Noble mtl dot com
“No, I have to fight alone. The moment you activate this talent, lightning flashes everywhere. Rather, I feel comfortable fighting alone.”
“… “If that’s the case.”
The players also decided to put aside their pride and leave everything to Choi Ji-won. This was because what she had shown so far was so impressive, and they were also afraid to take the risk of her death.
“Then… “I’ll be back.”
So.
Choi Ji-won and the Skeleton Killer.
The final battle between the two is just around the corner…
**
“Are you here?”
“I missed you.”
“Me too.”
Of course, it was a play that had everything planned up to this point. There was no way I would win in a fight with Choi Ji-won in the first place.
This is the core of this plan I came up with.
Also known as ‘Choi Ji-won. ‘You are the hero of the fortress!’ Strategy.
I can’t play the role of a skeleton killer forever. He has to retire at some point, but if he’s going to lose, wouldn’t it be better to at least raise his name value by losing to Choi Ji-won?
What is the heart of Seomjeon? Choi Ji-won had never activated Seomjeon’s heart yet. It was a very risky technique, and he never felt a lack of power even if he didn’t have to use it…
Wouldn’t it be a great way to kill two birds with one stone if you use this opportunity to gain fame and gain experience while using the Heart of Seomjeon? There was also an intention to leave traces here and there to express that the fight between Choi Ji-won and the Skeleton Killer was legendary.
“Wow, you had a hard time.”
“Junho, you had a hard time too. Have you only been eating grass all this time?”
“…It was better than the raw meat I ate on the 10th floor.”
After being forced to be apart for the past 5 days, Choi Ji-won and I had a long story to tell.
“Okay, I’ve fallen enough. It’s okay now.”
The time has finally arrived to test the ‘Heart of Seomjeon’.
“Then, it activates?”
Choi Ji-won, who sent me a signal, closes his eyes and begins to concentrate.
“Wow.”
Gooooo.
As soon as she begins to concentrate, the air around her begins to fluctuate, and grains of dirt on the floor float one by one. Leaves float in the air, and the clear sky makes a purring sound.
This was around the time when the strange flow created around Choi Ji-won’s body reached its peak.
Qarring!!!
A ray of lightning fell from somewhere, coloring my entire vision white.
“uuu…”
I close my eyes, but even if I close them, my eyes are still dazzling.
After my vision, which suffered from aftereffects for a while, was restored to its original state. I rolled my eyes and called Choi Ji-won.
“Ji, Jiwon?”
“… “
Pazizik! Squeeze!
Choi Ji-won stands motionless, with blue sparks flashing all over her body.
Blue eyes streamed out from where human eyes should have been, and lightning fluttered around her body and her blue tongue kept sticking out.
“It’s okay, right… ?”
When I see her brutal appearance in person, I feel a sense of uneasiness. I’ve never used it, but isn’t this a kind of last resort? The grade is also S grade.
It wouldn’t be strange at all if Choi Ji-won suddenly lost her temper and started running away. Originally, it was a national rule that if the main character used a last-ditch attack, he would run wild.
Of course, the owner of the city controlled this ability well without any problems… It would make sense to say that it was because he was familiar with the technique using the token ability.
“Jiwon… ?”
Choi Ji-won still has no answer. I was feeling restless and was contemplating whether I should return or throw a potion from afar.
“… Shut up. “Because I’m fine.”
Choi Ji-won speaks in a dry voice, as if spitting out words.
I couldn’t see her eyes because of the glare, but her eyebrows were furrowed and the corners of her mouth were coldly lowered.
“Uh, uh… “
I was relieved that it wasn’t the runaway that I expected, but Choi Ji-won’s appearance was unusual. Did I do something wrong? Of course, we acted separately for 5 days, but it was all according to plan… But what if you didn’t like the plan in the first place?
“Stupid bastard.”
“… “
“What a pervert.”
“… “
Choi Ji-won continues to pour out abusive language regardless of whether I remain quiet in embarrassment or not. It was as if he was pouring out all his buried feelings to me, so my heart ached for no reason. Are you saying I haven’t been able to do that much?
How big of a mistake did I make that the easy-going Choi Ji-won became this angry? No, wait a minute.
In the first place, Jiwon is not the type of person to say something like this to me… ?
No way, no way…
“I’m so excited… ?”
“… “
Choi Ji-won nods his head silently, no, he is about 3 months old and has a sword.
That’s right.
What has now taken control of the body is… It’s booming.