Chapter 52: The Strong (1)
Incheon Wharf.
Where there should have been numerous ships dotting the sea, now there were none to be seen.
Thanks to the players’ efforts, the nearby monsters had all been eliminated; the absence of vessels was due to the people not returning yet.
After placing the unconscious Rin in a spot less exposed to rain, Jaun sighed the breath he’d been holding in.
According to Nebiros, the “Crow” that had attacked the organization was heading this way.
‘What exactly is this guy up to?’
The individuals he’d encountered so far, including the kidnapped kid, were all out of the ordinary.
The foreign man was the only one who seemed somewhat average.
Despite his skills, he fell short of a player’s level.
In contrast, the high school girl had used strange abilities, and there was something about this child that even drew the attention of demons.
And the woman clad in black who had appeared last…
‘I should assume she’s at least that strong.’
Now it was clear why Nebiros thought the Crow was stronger than himself.
The woman who had followed him on a motorcycle overpowered him in every aspect.
Had he fought her in that state, the likelihood of losing was high.
If the Crow was at the same level as her, there was no chance for him to win.
“You should’ve worn the mask, right?”
“I’m considering it.”
“What’s there to think about? Without it, you’re just another one of the dead. Just like the rest of the trash.”
Nebiros ridiculed Jaun without restraint.
“Don’t mistake this for help. I just don’t want to discard a toy I’ve found after a long time. If you turn out to be trash and lose, I will terminate our contract.”
“I know.”
That was typical of Nebiros.
He was conscious of the watchful eyes of other demons and gods.
Claiming to be superior, he treated his contractors harshly.
But in return, he always provided certain help.
Otherwise, Kang Cheon-woo wouldn’t have been able to form the Heukcheon Society.
“Since he’s coming soon, I’ll just test it out and think about the mask later.”
“Tch, weakling.”
Nebiros was aware of Shin Jaun’s reluctance to wear the mask.
While the demon’s artifact carried powerful strength, it was equally difficult for a human to handle.
Using it would likely make Jaun not merely a contractor but a puppet of Nebiros.
Moreover, he didn’t want to wear a mask laden with children’s life energy gathered for power.
To prepare for an assault from the Crow, he had a small dagger pointed at Rin’s neck.
It was a warning not to do anything rash.
“There he is.”
Caw, caw.
The cawing of a crow could be heard from the sky.
Despite the downpour, there was a crow flying above—an unusual sight that suggested this was no ordinary bird.
Step, step.
There was someone walking through the torrential rain.
Dressed in a black coat and pants, he carried a rather dark impression.
At first glance, he looked like a demon contractor.
While he didn’t look particularly strong from his appearance alone, judging a player by appearance was foolish.
“Are you, the Crow?”
“The Crow? Yeah, suppose you could say I’m the Crow.”
Sehan awkwardly responded to Jaun’s wary tone.
It hadn’t been long since he cursed the position of “Karas, the Crow,” and now he himself was labelled as such.
‘Rin seems… to be unharmed.’
He held a knife as a precaution for Sehan’s attack, but there was no killing intent.
Jaun scrutinized Sehan intently, relieved that the child seemed safe.
Dark pupils and hair, characteristic of a demon contractee, sharp features befitting his piercing eyes, disheveled black suit, and white shirt.
A faint wound was visible on his chest.
Based on the information from the community, it must’ve been caused by Ji-su.
Sehan scrutinized Jaun’s face then tilted his head.
‘Where have I seen that face before?’
It wasn’t a player from a previous life, but it was definitely a familiar face.
‘Aha.’
After pondering for a while, he recalled someone.
Was it mixed martial arts? He seemed to remember seeing him in such an event.
He couldn’t remember clearly, but the face had been memorable because the athlete had stood out.
‘Indeed, a fighter, huh.’
Why such a person belonged to Heukcheon Society was a mystery.
If a monster suddenly became powerful, it was due to system or GM intervention, not Jaun. Creating or controlling non-existent players wasn’t possible.
Why hadn’t such a character existed in his past life?
“Why did you kidnap that child?”
“I thought it was the best way to get you here without trouble.”
Jaun slowly removed the knife from Rin’s neck.
“It seems I was right.”
“You’re targeting me because of Heukcheon Society’s business?”
“Of course.”
If not for that, he wouldn’t have gone through such trouble.
Like Jaun noticing him, Sehan was also observing Jaun.
If Jaun had seemed even slightly weaker, Sehan would have charged at him immediately.
He wanted to flick his fists immediately to avenge his brother.
However, he couldn’t do that.
‘He’s strong.’
With each step he took closer, the undeniable fact that Sehan was a formidable opponent became more evident.
Even if he had fought the entire Heukcheon Society head-on, it seemed there would’ve been no chance of winning.
“Why are you targeting Heukcheon Society?”
There had been no previous special association between Sehan and Heukcheon Society, at least not to Jaun’s knowledge.
“My comrades were attacked by devil minions before.”
“Attacked?”
“Yes, and then I thought I should nip things in the bud, especially anything related to demons.”
Especially since Heukcheon Society was one of the most vicious groups, controlled by Nebiros.
Jaun didn’t wholly comprehend Sehan’s explanations.
He understood the hostility arising from the attack, but it was unexpected to turn the entire society into an enemy.
Perhaps from Sehan’s perspective, who possessed sufficient strength, it was simply trivial venting.
“That’s so.”
“And you, what about you? Boss’s revenge? Something like that?”
“Not just because he was the boss of the organization.”
He knew that Cheon-woo was a demon contractee and a scum of a human.
“I still have debts unpaid.”
As Jaun clenched his fists and took a stance, Sehan didn’t ponder too deeply about it.
‘Maybe it’s some gangster’s code of honor.’
He was curious about the formidable opponent, but that was the extent of it.
Considering the aura he felt, it was clear that Jaun was also a contractee of Nebiros.
So, sparing his life was not on the table.
“Are you not using weapons?”
“I have enough with my fists.”
The former fighter fittingly preferred his fists as his main weapon.
Even so, it was a bit surprising.
Although players were definitely more durable than average humans, they weren’t harder than metal.
Yet, seeing the darkening of Jaun’s fists, Sehan reconsidered.
‘Is it a body-strengthening thing?’
Whether it was the power of a demon or his own skill was uncertain.
“Hand-to-hand, huh…”
That’s good.
Sehan ceased reaching for his weapon and clenched his fist in kind.
“It’s been a while since I had a fight without weapons.”
“….”
Jaun calmly watched Sehan, not daring to say he was arrogant.
If this man was even stronger than the woman he had met earlier, it was understandable.
She seemed to wield weapons, but she overwhelmed Jaun with her bare hands.
“Don’t have regrets.”
No more dialogue was necessary.
Sehan’s intent was to kill Jaun.
And Jaun’s intent was to kill Sehan.
Their purposes were nearly identical.
Boom!
A black wind clashed through the rain.
In the thick darkness of the night, the two figures never lost sight of each other.
As their fists collided, Sehan reached out with his left hand to grasp Jaun’s robe.
But Jaun, agile as a snake, twisted his body to dodge.
Instead, he thrust his left hand towards Sehan’s midsection.
Screech.
Sehan’s feet skidded on the ground, and his body tilted.
Jaun’s left hand cut through air.
With a large opening, Sehan threw a vertical punch towards Jaun, but Jaun deeply bowed his head and spun his body in a full circle.
Then, Jaun’s kick whipped towards Sehan’s throat.
Sehan blocked it with his right arm raised.
“Ha…”
Sehan looked at Jaun, who had quickly retreated, with admiration.
‘Is it because he’s a fighter after all?’
He wasn’t bragging, but Sehan had confidence in his close combat.
Yet, he hadn’t been able to overwhelm Jaun.
While he wasn’t completely serious and Jaun was certainly a bit below him…
It was still remarkable.
Moreover, Jaun’s movements felt very familiar to Sehan.
Sehan and Jaun once again charged at each other, fists and kicks flying through the rain.
“Huh.”
Sehan inwardly admired him.
Shin Jaun’s movements weren’t those of a ‘genius’.
His punch was sharp, his body curved like a snake, pressuring Sehan.
This wasn’t talent-made movement.
It was the result of repeated, endless effort.
His motions were honest. Faster than his opponent, just dodging and striking.
He strictly adhered to those simple rules.
There was no spark of genius.
Just like Sehan.
“Kuh!”
As Sehan increased his speed, Jaun’s body began showing traces of strain.
Sehan was definitely superior in combat skill and the difference in their abilities quite severe.
It wasn’t that Jaun’s combat skills were inferior, it was that Sehan was overwhelmingly strong.
Even with similar levels of talent, he was unmistakably humanity’s last player.
Boom!
“Kerk!”
Sehan slowly lowered the fist that had hammered into Jaun’s chest.
Jaun flew dozens of meters away, crashing into a container box, bending it partially.
Without possessing massive healing skills like Ji-su, it was a fatal blow.
“I don’t understand why a player like you would contract with a demon.”
“….”
Jaun couldn’t answer Sehan, as blood poured out when he breathed.
His skills were undoubtedly excellent, but Sehan was just a bit higher.
Also, the difference in abilities was overwhelming.
Initially, Sehan had only been matching Jaun’s movements.
“You seem to have strong pride and aren’t as evil as you could be. You’re definitely a bad guy though.”
Despite the contradictory statement, Sehan was indifferent.
To him, Jaun wasn’t inherently evil.
The problem started with him being part of Heukcheon Society.
There might be some reason, but that was their concern.
Regardless, Sehan had no intention of sparing Jaun.
“You’re too strong.”
Jaun staggered up, touching his chest.
The single blow could have broken how many ribs, he wasn’t sure.
“That’s why you should wear the mask, you idiot. This is why mere humans never learn.”
The mask, the mask…
Could wearing it grant him victory over Sehan?
Jaun had the thought but didn’t want to put on the mask.
Because he had witnessed the despair of the children who went into making it.
Just as Sehan said, although he was a bad person, he wasn’t rotten enough to reach for the demon’s mask.
“If you don’t like it, I’ll have to force you.”
“…!”
As Jaun tried to rise and take a stance, his body stiffened.
He couldn’t even speak.
“Do you know what’s different between a contract with a god and one with a demon? Unlike gods, we can force it.”
Nebiros laughed gleefully.
Moving stiff Jaun’s hand, he grabbed the mask from within his clothing.
Then, several daggers flew towards Jaun, aiming for his hand.
“Hm?”
Sehan, noticing something odd, had thrown the daggers.
They couldn’t pierce through Jaun’s hand, for a faint barrier had formed around the hand that held the mask, blocking them.
“I’m tired of watching this boring fight. Now we can finally have some fun.”
Although still incomplete, Nebiros believed in the power of his artifact.
The Mask of Bitterness, the result of his utmost effort, was not an empty title for the 27th ranking demon.
A mask gathering monstrous power by absorbing human negative emotions.
Calculated into ability points, the magic energy amassed thus far could ensure that no present player could defeat Jaun.
“Kuk, kuaa!”
Jaun struggled desperately not to wear the gripped mask.
“For your weakness. If you had overwhelmed him, there would’ve been no need for this, right?”
Nebiros exerted more strength to forcibly manipulate Jaun’s hand.
At last, Jaun’s face was covered by a grotesque, stark white mask.
“—!!”
An indescribable cry echoed as a white flash engulfed Incheon Wharf.
Chapter 52: The Strong (1)
Incheon Wharf.
Where there should have been numerous ships dotting the sea, now there were none to be seen.
Thanks to the players’ efforts, the nearby monsters had all been eliminated; the absence of vessels was due to the people not returning yet.
After placing the unconscious Rin in a spot less exposed to rain, Jaun sighed the breath he’d been holding in.
According to Nebiros, the “Crow” that had attacked the organization was heading this way.
‘What exactly is this guy up to?’
The individuals he’d encountered so far, including the kidnapped kid, were all out of the ordinary.
The foreign man was the only one who seemed somewhat average.
Despite his skills, he fell short of a player’s level.
In contrast, the high school girl had used strange abilities, and there was something about this child that even drew the attention of demons.
And the woman clad in black who had appeared last…
‘I should assume she’s at least that strong.’
Now it was clear why Nebiros thought the Crow was stronger than himself.
The woman who had followed him on a motorcycle overpowered him in every aspect.
Had he fought her in that state, the likelihood of losing was high.
If the Crow was at the same level as her, there was no chance for him to win.
“You should’ve worn the mask, right?”
“I’m considering it.”
“What’s there to think about? Without it, you’re just another one of the dead. Just like the rest of the trash.”
Nebiros ridiculed Jaun without restraint.
“Don’t mistake this for help. I just don’t want to discard a toy I’ve found after a long time. If you turn out to be trash and lose, I will terminate our contract.”
“I know.”
That was typical of Nebiros.
He was conscious of the watchful eyes of other demons and gods.
Claiming to be superior, he treated his contractors harshly.
But in return, he always provided certain help.
Otherwise, Kang Cheon-woo wouldn’t have been able to form the Heukcheon Society.
“Since he’s coming soon, I’ll just test it out and think about the mask later.”
“Tch, weakling.”
Nebiros was aware of Shin Jaun’s reluctance to wear the mask.
While the demon’s artifact carried powerful strength, it was equally difficult for a human to handle.
Using it would likely make Jaun not merely a contractor but a puppet of Nebiros.
Moreover, he didn’t want to wear a mask laden with children’s life energy gathered for power.
To prepare for an assault from the Crow, he had a small dagger pointed at Rin’s neck.
It was a warning not to do anything rash.
“There he is.”
Caw, caw.
The cawing of a crow could be heard from the sky.
Despite the downpour, there was a crow flying above—an unusual sight that suggested this was no ordinary bird.
Step, step.
There was someone walking through the torrential rain.
Dressed in a black coat and pants, he carried a rather dark impression.
At first glance, he looked like a demon contractor.
While he didn’t look particularly strong from his appearance alone, judging a player by appearance was foolish.
“Are you, the Crow?”
“The Crow? Yeah, suppose you could say I’m the Crow.”
Sehan awkwardly responded to Jaun’s wary tone.
It hadn’t been long since he cursed the position of “Karas, the Crow,” and now he himself was labelled as such.
‘Rin seems… to be unharmed.’
He held a knife as a precaution for Sehan’s attack, but there was no killing intent.
Jaun scrutinized Sehan intently, relieved that the child seemed safe.
Dark pupils and hair, characteristic of a demon contractee, sharp features befitting his piercing eyes, disheveled black suit, and white shirt.
A faint wound was visible on his chest.
Based on the information from the community, it must’ve been caused by Ji-su.
Sehan scrutinized Jaun’s face then tilted his head.
‘Where have I seen that face before?’
It wasn’t a player from a previous life, but it was definitely a familiar face.
‘Aha.’
After pondering for a while, he recalled someone.
Was it mixed martial arts? He seemed to remember seeing him in such an event.
He couldn’t remember clearly, but the face had been memorable because the athlete had stood out.
‘Indeed, a fighter, huh.’
Why such a person belonged to Heukcheon Society was a mystery.
If a monster suddenly became powerful, it was due to system or GM intervention, not Jaun. Creating or controlling non-existent players wasn’t possible.
Why hadn’t such a character existed in his past life?
“Why did you kidnap that child?”
“I thought it was the best way to get you here without trouble.”
Jaun slowly removed the knife from Rin’s neck.
“It seems I was right.”
“You’re targeting me because of Heukcheon Society’s business?”
“Of course.”
If not for that, he wouldn’t have gone through such trouble.
Like Jaun noticing him, Sehan was also observing Jaun.
If Jaun had seemed even slightly weaker, Sehan would have charged at him immediately.
He wanted to flick his fists immediately to avenge his brother.
However, he couldn’t do that.
‘He’s strong.’
With each step he took closer, the undeniable fact that Sehan was a formidable opponent became more evident.
Even if he had fought the entire Heukcheon Society head-on, it seemed there would’ve been no chance of winning.
“Why are you targeting Heukcheon Society?”
There had been no previous special association between Sehan and Heukcheon Society, at least not to Jaun’s knowledge.
“My comrades were attacked by devil minions before.”
“Attacked?”
“Yes, and then I thought I should nip things in the bud, especially anything related to demons.”
Especially since Heukcheon Society was one of the most vicious groups, controlled by Nebiros.
Jaun didn’t wholly comprehend Sehan’s explanations.
He understood the hostility arising from the attack, but it was unexpected to turn the entire society into an enemy.
Perhaps from Sehan’s perspective, who possessed sufficient strength, it was simply trivial venting.
“That’s so.”
“And you, what about you? Boss’s revenge? Something like that?”
“Not just because he was the boss of the organization.”
He knew that Cheon-woo was a demon contractee and a scum of a human.
“I still have debts unpaid.”
As Jaun clenched his fists and took a stance, Sehan didn’t ponder too deeply about it.
‘Maybe it’s some gangster’s code of honor.’
He was curious about the formidable opponent, but that was the extent of it.
Considering the aura he felt, it was clear that Jaun was also a contractee of Nebiros.
So, sparing his life was not on the table.
“Are you not using weapons?”
“I have enough with my fists.”
The former fighter fittingly preferred his fists as his main weapon.
Even so, it was a bit surprising.
Although players were definitely more durable than average humans, they weren’t harder than metal.
Yet, seeing the darkening of Jaun’s fists, Sehan reconsidered.
‘Is it a body-strengthening thing?’
Whether it was the power of a demon or his own skill was uncertain.
“Hand-to-hand, huh…”
That’s good.
Sehan ceased reaching for his weapon and clenched his fist in kind.
“It’s been a while since I had a fight without weapons.”
“….”
Jaun calmly watched Sehan, not daring to say he was arrogant.
If this man was even stronger than the woman he had met earlier, it was understandable.
She seemed to wield weapons, but she overwhelmed Jaun with her bare hands.
“Don’t have regrets.”
No more dialogue was necessary.
Sehan’s intent was to kill Jaun.
And Jaun’s intent was to kill Sehan.
Their purposes were nearly identical.
Boom!
A black wind clashed through the rain.
In the thick darkness of the night, the two figures never lost sight of each other.
As their fists collided, Sehan reached out with his left hand to grasp Jaun’s robe.
But Jaun, agile as a snake, twisted his body to dodge.
Instead, he thrust his left hand towards Sehan’s midsection.
Screech.
Sehan’s feet skidded on the ground, and his body tilted.
Jaun’s left hand cut through air.
With a large opening, Sehan threw a vertical punch towards Jaun, but Jaun deeply bowed his head and spun his body in a full circle.
Then, Jaun’s kick whipped towards Sehan’s throat.
Sehan blocked it with his right arm raised.
“Ha…”
Sehan looked at Jaun, who had quickly retreated, with admiration.
‘Is it because he’s a fighter after all?’
He wasn’t bragging, but Sehan had confidence in his close combat.
Yet, he hadn’t been able to overwhelm Jaun.
While he wasn’t completely serious and Jaun was certainly a bit below him…
It was still remarkable.
Moreover, Jaun’s movements felt very familiar to Sehan.
Sehan and Jaun once again charged at each other, fists and kicks flying through the rain.
“Huh.”
Sehan inwardly admired him.
Shin Jaun’s movements weren’t those of a ‘genius’.
His punch was sharp, his body curved like a snake, pressuring Sehan.
This wasn’t talent-made movement.
It was the result of repeated, endless effort.
His motions were honest. Faster than his opponent, just dodging and striking.
He strictly adhered to those simple rules.
There was no spark of genius.
Just like Sehan.
“Kuh!”
As Sehan increased his speed, Jaun’s body began showing traces of strain.
Sehan was definitely superior in combat skill and the difference in their abilities quite severe.
It wasn’t that Jaun’s combat skills were inferior, it was that Sehan was overwhelmingly strong.
Even with similar levels of talent, he was unmistakably humanity’s last player.
Boom!
“Kerk!”
Sehan slowly lowered the fist that had hammered into Jaun’s chest.
Jaun flew dozens of meters away, crashing into a container box, bending it partially.
Without possessing massive healing skills like Ji-su, it was a fatal blow.
“I don’t understand why a player like you would contract with a demon.”
“….”
Jaun couldn’t answer Sehan, as blood poured out when he breathed.
His skills were undoubtedly excellent, but Sehan was just a bit higher.
Also, the difference in abilities was overwhelming.
Initially, Sehan had only been matching Jaun’s movements.
“You seem to have strong pride and aren’t as evil as you could be. You’re definitely a bad guy though.”
Despite the contradictory statement, Sehan was indifferent.
To him, Jaun wasn’t inherently evil.
The problem started with him being part of Heukcheon Society.
There might be some reason, but that was their concern.
Regardless, Sehan had no intention of sparing Jaun.
“You’re too strong.”
Jaun staggered up, touching his chest.
The single blow could have broken how many ribs, he wasn’t sure.
“That’s why you should wear the mask, you idiot. This is why mere humans never learn.”
The mask, the mask…
Could wearing it grant him victory over Sehan?
Jaun had the thought but didn’t want to put on the mask.
Because he had witnessed the despair of the children who went into making it.
Just as Sehan said, although he was a bad person, he wasn’t rotten enough to reach for the demon’s mask.
“If you don’t like it, I’ll have to force you.”
“…!”
As Jaun tried to rise and take a stance, his body stiffened.
He couldn’t even speak.
“Do you know what’s different between a contract with a god and one with a demon? Unlike gods, we can force it.”
Nebiros laughed gleefully.
Moving stiff Jaun’s hand, he grabbed the mask from within his clothing.
Then, several daggers flew towards Jaun, aiming for his hand.
“Hm?”
Sehan, noticing something odd, had thrown the daggers.
They couldn’t pierce through Jaun’s hand, for a faint barrier had formed around the hand that held the mask, blocking them.
“I’m tired of watching this boring fight. Now we can finally have some fun.”
Although still incomplete, Nebiros believed in the power of his artifact.
The Mask of Bitterness, the result of his utmost effort, was not an empty title for the 27th ranking demon.
A mask gathering monstrous power by absorbing human negative emotions.
Calculated into ability points, the magic energy amassed thus far could ensure that no present player could defeat Jaun.
“Kuk, kuaa!”
Jaun struggled desperately not to wear the gripped mask.
“For your weakness. If you had overwhelmed him, there would’ve been no need for this, right?”
Nebiros exerted more strength to forcibly manipulate Jaun’s hand.
At last, Jaun’s face was covered by a grotesque, stark white mask.
“—!!”
An indescribable cry echoed as a white flash engulfed Incheon Wharf.
