# 50
Contractor Shin Jahoon (2)
“Our base has been attacked.”
“What?”
The devil ‘Neviros’ spoke into the ears of Shin Jahoon, who was speeding down the road on his motorcycle.
“Is that true?”
“Stupid fool, why would I need to lie about something like this?”
Neviros seemed displeased with the arrogant tone of Shin Jahoon.
“Gathering such weaklings only turns the place into a junkyard.”
Shin Jahoon went pale at Neviros’ clicking tongue.
“Brother, what happened to you? And the mask?”
“The mask was buried with the building when it exploded. I thought they might take it when rescuing the human children, but they left it behind.”
Neviros didn’t seem to care much that his relic, the Mask of Sorrow, had been buried deep underground.
Since only beings with a certain divinity, the devil himself, or a contractor of said devil could destroy a devil’s relic, it was safe from ruin.
“…So the objective was to rescue the children?”
“I do not know.”
“Damn it! There’s no way Brother could die that easily. He’s a devil’s contractor!”
“A devil’s contractor he may be, but his flesh is human.”
Even the being known as a player transcends human limitations yet still possesses a human body.
No matter how strong one becomes, they are not invincible—and currently, no player could have survived the building’s collapse, not even after weathering the bomb’s blast.
Unlike monsters immune to simple physical attacks, humans are not.
The attack on the Heukcheon Group was calculated.
A massive number of crows carrying bombs were sent inside the building for an instant obliteration—targeting not the lives within, but the collapsing rubble itself.
“The one who controls crows, what an odd fellow. Ah, I see.”
“What do you mean?”
“The reputation of the Crow constellation has changed recently.”
“The Crow constellation? You mean the zodiac?”
“Yes. Technically, the Crow’s spot is vacant lacking someone of caliber, but it seems a successor has defeated the previous Crow and taken their power.”
Reflecting on the skills used during the attack on the base, it was no ordinary ability.
Suspicions began with the first attack in Hwagok-dong, but this event confirmed it.
The attacker was undoubtedly the player who killed the Crow of the constellation, Caras.
“Do you know them?”
“I know every player. Demons cannot access the gods’ ‘community,’ but information finds its way around.”
The most prestigious players were under the careful watch of countless gods.
“It’s like that, huh…”
A cold blue flame ignited in Shin Jahoon’s eyes.
He could not forgive whoever had destroyed his base and presumably killed Jang Cheon Woo.
While Jang Cheon Woo was human rubbish, to Shin Jahoon, he was akin to a blood brother—his only family.
Despite the reluctant obligation to follow his words, it was still okay.
He had survived his childhood thanks to Jang Cheon Woo’s help.
Screeching, Shin Jahoon sharply turned his bike.
“Guide me.”
“Where to?”
“To where he is.”
“He’s still at the base, checking if any survived.”
At that, Shin Jahoon clenched his teeth.
He hesitated to return, knowing his arrival might be too late.
Instead, he planned to target the assailant’s base, just as they had done.
“Does he have allies?”
“Yes, but why?”
“He won’t fight openly. Even if we challenge him, he won’t face us head-on.”
Like Hwagok-dong and his most recent base strike, the enemy leveraged surprise and not direct combat, hunting rather than simply fighting.
“Interesting,” Neviros sneered with delight at Shin Jahoon’s plan.
“You’re a rather capable demon’s contractor. This should be an enjoyable fight.”
To Neviros, humans were mere chess pieces, and he was relatively kind to Shin Jahoon simply because he saw value in him.
“Then lead me to his allies’ location. It’s probably his base.”
“No issue, but should you lose, I’ll lose interest in you.”
Neviros had no intention of keeping a failed contractor.
“Because I’m not his match?”
“Yes. I’m not inclined to recommend a promise of defeat.”
With that, Neviros whispered softly in Shin Jahoon’s ear.
“However, there is a way.”
“A way?”
“If you use the mask, you might be able to have an equal fight. It’s incomplete, but it’s enough to confront a player.”
The Mask of Sorrow, Neviros’ relic—a devil’s artifact, the crystallized essence of countless children’s grief. Its power could indeed facilitate a favorable clash against the crow. No, it would definitely secure victory.
‘Not bad.’
There was nothing more delightful than witnessing his contractor defeat the renowned Crow’s Wing.
“…”
“Dislike it? I know you despise it, but can you afford to be selective now?”
“I understand.”
Despite his distaste for the mask, it was clear the Crow’s abilities were superior to his own.
“Alright, then guide me. I plan to do exactly what he did.”
“Fine.”
A black hole opened in mid-air, and an eerie mask appeared.
Neviros had summoned the Mask of Sorrow buried in the earth.
“Keep it well, my contractor. Then I, the demon Neviros, will grant you victory.”
“Hilarious.”
Ignoring Neviros’ clownish babble, Shin Jahoon curtly responded and accelerated his bike.
A chilly droplet brushed against his cheek—it seemed to start raining.
***
“Wow, it’s really pouring.”
Min-ah toweled off her damp hair, commenting as she watched the rain intensify outside.
“I won’t be able to go out anymore today.”
While hunting monsters in an unopened area, a sudden downpour forced Min-ah to seek shelter in a building nearby.
Once a café, now it stood empty.
“Unnie, here’s some warm tea.”
Min-ah accepted the cup of tea from Rin.
They found abundant charming teacups and tea left behind in the café—they often enjoyed them.
“Thanks, but where’s Ji-su Unnie?”
“I’m not sure. She doesn’t seem to be back yet.”
“Is that so?”
After Se-han told her to stay here, Ji-su had been downcast but dutifully patrolled the perimeter, alert.
She likely felt her abilities inadequate, hence the order to stay.
Nevertheless, she was obedient, reminiscent of a loyal dog.
Something Min-ah couldn’t openly say to her.
‘Who could’ve imagined this back then?’
Initially, she was a bit scared of Ji-su, but seeing no malice eased her and they became quite familiar.
On the contrary, given Ji-su’s formidable strength, she was now an excellent protector in Se-han’s absence.
“I still can’t get used to wielding a skill.”
Luke, in contrast, seemed downcast.
He’d accompanied Min-ah hunting monsters, but his catch was significantly less impressive.
“Uncle, you should use it like an arm or leg; it’s that easy!”
“Hmm, it’s tough. I don’t quite get it.”
The burly man’s frown was amusing.
“Then next time I’ll explain in more detail…”
Crash!
Rin, holding a teacup, suddenly dropped it as if startled.
“Did the lightning scare you? Are you hurt?”
“Th-there.”
Min-ah approached Rin to check for injuries, but Rin looked unusually pale, gazing at the café’s entrance.
“Something’s coming.”
“Coming?”
“I don’t know, but something frightening is approaching.”
Most kids would dismiss such fear as a reaction to stormy weather.
However, Rin was no ordinary girl—she was a player with unsettlingly sharp intuition.
Thunk! Tinkle, tinkle.
As the café door opened, a clear bell sound rang.
“…Who?”
A man dressed in black entered.
Black hair, black eyes, and a loosely worn black suit with a white shirt underneath—his style vaguely reminded her of Se-han due to the similar attire.
Apparently coming through rain, he was soaked.
Step by step, the man slowly surveyed the café’s interior, counting the number of people present.
“…!”
When his black eyes fixed on her, Min-ah instinctively felt a threat.
Buzz!
“Ho.”
Min-ah instinctively ducked her head.
A refreshing breeze whooshed overhead.
Fortune favored her today as pure instinct had her dip her head at the right moment.
“Ugh!”
Clang!
The man’s left hand coiled like a snake, striking Min-ah in the abdomen.
She reinforced her body with Mithril in time to block it.
‘And yet, it still hits this hard?’
Had it been bare flesh, she would have certainly blacked out.
A punch capable of delivering shock to a Mithril-hardened body could instantly down even robust players with one hit.
“If you stay calm, I’ll make sure it ends without pain.”
“Like hell.”
Transforming her arms into Mentis scythes, she swung wide.
The man effortlessly dodged with a weave and struck Min-ah’s exposed self with two precise punches.
“Ah!”
An even greater blow than before bent Min-ah.
Despite her combat-hardened skill, the man moved in a different league.
It was like comparing amateurs to a professional.
As he raised his fist to finish off the writhing Min-ah, a sharp blade intervened.
“You seem to have learned to use your fists, young man.”
“…”
The man faced the newly arrived blond foreigner.
The muscular man, who must have been formidable before the world became ‘game-like,’ seemed regrettable.
“What a pity.”
His lament was brief.
Likely, his opponent was a combatant with exemplary professional prowess.
But distressingly, the man fell short. Ill-adapted to the game, that is.
“Sorry, but we’re short on time.”
The man, Shin Jahoon, readied himself.
He had to quickly resolve the situation before Se-han’s arrival.
“So, just die peacefully.”
“That’s not possible. I have a daughter to think about.”
Their gazes clashed in an instant.
Crash!
A lightning flash outside coincided with the café windows shattering.
***
Incheon Juan.
The Heukcheon Group’s buildings lay in ruins.
Inside, all perished, and any attempting escape were swiftly dealt with.
“The effect is undeniable.”
He had used the same explosives wielded against the Basilisk Orga.
They shattered the building’s base, plunging the creature into the depths.
While non-lethal, they were peerless in demolishing structures.
“Still, I’ve developed quite the headache.”
He summoned a hundred crows to land on the ground-laid explosives.
A strong adhesive coated the bombs’ backsides, making placement a breeze.
Then a headlong charge into the building set off the blast.
Unlike ‘Crow’s Eye’, this was no intricate control—just flying straight ahead. Consequently, numerous crows died upon impaling themselves on the structure.
Still stuck to the wall, their sacrifice was not in vain.
“This should wrap up the Heukcheon Group matter.”
Eliminating them didn’t rid the world of all devil’s contractors or minions, but for now, it was enough. Any new nuisances would be dealt with in time.
‘The mask must have been reclaimed by now.’
Though incapable of destruction, he had buried it with the building. Nevertheless, Neviros likely retrieved his relic, effortless to summon as his own.
Tap, tap.
Watching the wreckage, a Harlequin observer patted my shoulder.
“What now?”
There seemed nothing left to showcase.
Without an audience to witness, that is.
But the Harlequin’s demeanor was odd, quivering before scribbling on the dirt.
“My avatar’s in danger.”
Avatar in danger?
Given the Heukcheon Group’s demise, what else could pose a threat…?
Tap, tap!
The Harlequin’s persistence urged my startled realization.
A genuine crisis must be at hand for such urgency.
# 50
Contractor Shin Jahoon (2)
“Our base has been attacked.”
“What?”
The devil ‘Neviros’ spoke into the ears of Shin Jahoon, who was speeding down the road on his motorcycle.
“Is that true?”
“Stupid fool, why would I need to lie about something like this?”
Neviros seemed displeased with the arrogant tone of Shin Jahoon.
“Gathering such weaklings only turns the place into a junkyard.”
Shin Jahoon went pale at Neviros’ clicking tongue.
“Brother, what happened to you? And the mask?”
“The mask was buried with the building when it exploded. I thought they might take it when rescuing the human children, but they left it behind.”
Neviros didn’t seem to care much that his relic, the Mask of Sorrow, had been buried deep underground.
Since only beings with a certain divinity, the devil himself, or a contractor of said devil could destroy a devil’s relic, it was safe from ruin.
“…So the objective was to rescue the children?”
“I do not know.”
“Damn it! There’s no way Brother could die that easily. He’s a devil’s contractor!”
“A devil’s contractor he may be, but his flesh is human.”
Even the being known as a player transcends human limitations yet still possesses a human body.
No matter how strong one becomes, they are not invincible—and currently, no player could have survived the building’s collapse, not even after weathering the bomb’s blast.
Unlike monsters immune to simple physical attacks, humans are not.
The attack on the Heukcheon Group was calculated.
A massive number of crows carrying bombs were sent inside the building for an instant obliteration—targeting not the lives within, but the collapsing rubble itself.
“The one who controls crows, what an odd fellow. Ah, I see.”
“What do you mean?”
“The reputation of the Crow constellation has changed recently.”
“The Crow constellation? You mean the zodiac?”
“Yes. Technically, the Crow’s spot is vacant lacking someone of caliber, but it seems a successor has defeated the previous Crow and taken their power.”
Reflecting on the skills used during the attack on the base, it was no ordinary ability.
Suspicions began with the first attack in Hwagok-dong, but this event confirmed it.
The attacker was undoubtedly the player who killed the Crow of the constellation, Caras.
“Do you know them?”
“I know every player. Demons cannot access the gods’ ‘community,’ but information finds its way around.”
The most prestigious players were under the careful watch of countless gods.
“It’s like that, huh…”
A cold blue flame ignited in Shin Jahoon’s eyes.
He could not forgive whoever had destroyed his base and presumably killed Jang Cheon Woo.
While Jang Cheon Woo was human rubbish, to Shin Jahoon, he was akin to a blood brother—his only family.
Despite the reluctant obligation to follow his words, it was still okay.
He had survived his childhood thanks to Jang Cheon Woo’s help.
Screeching, Shin Jahoon sharply turned his bike.
“Guide me.”
“Where to?”
“To where he is.”
“He’s still at the base, checking if any survived.”
At that, Shin Jahoon clenched his teeth.
He hesitated to return, knowing his arrival might be too late.
Instead, he planned to target the assailant’s base, just as they had done.
“Does he have allies?”
“Yes, but why?”
“He won’t fight openly. Even if we challenge him, he won’t face us head-on.”
Like Hwagok-dong and his most recent base strike, the enemy leveraged surprise and not direct combat, hunting rather than simply fighting.
“Interesting,” Neviros sneered with delight at Shin Jahoon’s plan.
“You’re a rather capable demon’s contractor. This should be an enjoyable fight.”
To Neviros, humans were mere chess pieces, and he was relatively kind to Shin Jahoon simply because he saw value in him.
“Then lead me to his allies’ location. It’s probably his base.”
“No issue, but should you lose, I’ll lose interest in you.”
Neviros had no intention of keeping a failed contractor.
“Because I’m not his match?”
“Yes. I’m not inclined to recommend a promise of defeat.”
With that, Neviros whispered softly in Shin Jahoon’s ear.
“However, there is a way.”
“A way?”
“If you use the mask, you might be able to have an equal fight. It’s incomplete, but it’s enough to confront a player.”
The Mask of Sorrow, Neviros’ relic—a devil’s artifact, the crystallized essence of countless children’s grief. Its power could indeed facilitate a favorable clash against the crow. No, it would definitely secure victory.
‘Not bad.’
There was nothing more delightful than witnessing his contractor defeat the renowned Crow’s Wing.
“…”
“Dislike it? I know you despise it, but can you afford to be selective now?”
“I understand.”
Despite his distaste for the mask, it was clear the Crow’s abilities were superior to his own.
“Alright, then guide me. I plan to do exactly what he did.”
“Fine.”
A black hole opened in mid-air, and an eerie mask appeared.
Neviros had summoned the Mask of Sorrow buried in the earth.
“Keep it well, my contractor. Then I, the demon Neviros, will grant you victory.”
“Hilarious.”
Ignoring Neviros’ clownish babble, Shin Jahoon curtly responded and accelerated his bike.
A chilly droplet brushed against his cheek—it seemed to start raining.
***
“Wow, it’s really pouring.”
Min-ah toweled off her damp hair, commenting as she watched the rain intensify outside.
“I won’t be able to go out anymore today.”
While hunting monsters in an unopened area, a sudden downpour forced Min-ah to seek shelter in a building nearby.
Once a café, now it stood empty.
“Unnie, here’s some warm tea.”
Min-ah accepted the cup of tea from Rin.
They found abundant charming teacups and tea left behind in the café—they often enjoyed them.
“Thanks, but where’s Ji-su Unnie?”
“I’m not sure. She doesn’t seem to be back yet.”
“Is that so?”
After Se-han told her to stay here, Ji-su had been downcast but dutifully patrolled the perimeter, alert.
She likely felt her abilities inadequate, hence the order to stay.
Nevertheless, she was obedient, reminiscent of a loyal dog.
Something Min-ah couldn’t openly say to her.
‘Who could’ve imagined this back then?’
Initially, she was a bit scared of Ji-su, but seeing no malice eased her and they became quite familiar.
On the contrary, given Ji-su’s formidable strength, she was now an excellent protector in Se-han’s absence.
“I still can’t get used to wielding a skill.”
Luke, in contrast, seemed downcast.
He’d accompanied Min-ah hunting monsters, but his catch was significantly less impressive.
“Uncle, you should use it like an arm or leg; it’s that easy!”
“Hmm, it’s tough. I don’t quite get it.”
The burly man’s frown was amusing.
“Then next time I’ll explain in more detail…”
Crash!
Rin, holding a teacup, suddenly dropped it as if startled.
“Did the lightning scare you? Are you hurt?”
“Th-there.”
Min-ah approached Rin to check for injuries, but Rin looked unusually pale, gazing at the café’s entrance.
“Something’s coming.”
“Coming?”
“I don’t know, but something frightening is approaching.”
Most kids would dismiss such fear as a reaction to stormy weather.
However, Rin was no ordinary girl—she was a player with unsettlingly sharp intuition.
Thunk! Tinkle, tinkle.
As the café door opened, a clear bell sound rang.
“…Who?”
A man dressed in black entered.
Black hair, black eyes, and a loosely worn black suit with a white shirt underneath—his style vaguely reminded her of Se-han due to the similar attire.
Apparently coming through rain, he was soaked.
Step by step, the man slowly surveyed the café’s interior, counting the number of people present.
“…!”
When his black eyes fixed on her, Min-ah instinctively felt a threat.
Buzz!
“Ho.”
Min-ah instinctively ducked her head.
A refreshing breeze whooshed overhead.
Fortune favored her today as pure instinct had her dip her head at the right moment.
“Ugh!”
Clang!
The man’s left hand coiled like a snake, striking Min-ah in the abdomen.
She reinforced her body with Mithril in time to block it.
‘And yet, it still hits this hard?’
Had it been bare flesh, she would have certainly blacked out.
A punch capable of delivering shock to a Mithril-hardened body could instantly down even robust players with one hit.
“If you stay calm, I’ll make sure it ends without pain.”
“Like hell.”
Transforming her arms into Mentis scythes, she swung wide.
The man effortlessly dodged with a weave and struck Min-ah’s exposed self with two precise punches.
“Ah!”
An even greater blow than before bent Min-ah.
Despite her combat-hardened skill, the man moved in a different league.
It was like comparing amateurs to a professional.
As he raised his fist to finish off the writhing Min-ah, a sharp blade intervened.
“You seem to have learned to use your fists, young man.”
“…”
The man faced the newly arrived blond foreigner.
The muscular man, who must have been formidable before the world became ‘game-like,’ seemed regrettable.
“What a pity.”
His lament was brief.
Likely, his opponent was a combatant with exemplary professional prowess.
But distressingly, the man fell short. Ill-adapted to the game, that is.
“Sorry, but we’re short on time.”
The man, Shin Jahoon, readied himself.
He had to quickly resolve the situation before Se-han’s arrival.
“So, just die peacefully.”
“That’s not possible. I have a daughter to think about.”
Their gazes clashed in an instant.
Crash!
A lightning flash outside coincided with the café windows shattering.
***
Incheon Juan.
The Heukcheon Group’s buildings lay in ruins.
Inside, all perished, and any attempting escape were swiftly dealt with.
“The effect is undeniable.”
He had used the same explosives wielded against the Basilisk Orga.
They shattered the building’s base, plunging the creature into the depths.
While non-lethal, they were peerless in demolishing structures.
“Still, I’ve developed quite the headache.”
He summoned a hundred crows to land on the ground-laid explosives.
A strong adhesive coated the bombs’ backsides, making placement a breeze.
Then a headlong charge into the building set off the blast.
Unlike ‘Crow’s Eye’, this was no intricate control—just flying straight ahead. Consequently, numerous crows died upon impaling themselves on the structure.
Still stuck to the wall, their sacrifice was not in vain.
“This should wrap up the Heukcheon Group matter.”
Eliminating them didn’t rid the world of all devil’s contractors or minions, but for now, it was enough. Any new nuisances would be dealt with in time.
‘The mask must have been reclaimed by now.’
Though incapable of destruction, he had buried it with the building. Nevertheless, Neviros likely retrieved his relic, effortless to summon as his own.
Tap, tap.
Watching the wreckage, a Harlequin observer patted my shoulder.
“What now?”
There seemed nothing left to showcase.
Without an audience to witness, that is.
But the Harlequin’s demeanor was odd, quivering before scribbling on the dirt.
“My avatar’s in danger.”
Avatar in danger?
Given the Heukcheon Group’s demise, what else could pose a threat…?
Tap, tap!
The Harlequin’s persistence urged my startled realization.
A genuine crisis must be at hand for such urgency.
