CHAPTER 120…………………………………………..
Golems were the worst kind of monster to encounter in such confined spaces. Their attacks were highly destructive over a wide area, yet their bodies were so tough that most attacks were nullified.
“Protect Haneul so he can get close to the Golem.”
Kang Gun-ho gave the order to the guild master of Chaos. He was a hunter capable of both close-range offense and defense. His attacks weren’t exceptionally powerful, but hunters who could handle both were rare, making him valuable in battle.
“Leave it to me.”
The guild master bowed deeply. To maintain such composure amid this chaos showed remarkable loyalty.
“Here we go, Haneul.”
The other hunters subtly cleared a path for the two of them. The Golem focused its attacks on them once it noticed, but our defenses were solid. Moreover, while the Golem’s wide-area attacks were strong, it was clumsy when concentrating on a single target.
“Die, you king!”
The hunter Haneul placed his hand on the core of the Golem. From that point, a tree began to grow exponentially, spreading even inside the Golem. Its only weakness was “weathering.” Those skilled in plant manipulation could accelerate this process artificially.
“It’s collapsing!”
Even the resilient Golem couldn’t hold itself as the tree spread throughout its body. Returning to smoke, the King shifted into his seventh form, gradually taking on a red hue instead.
“We’re entering Phase 2. Stand by.”
The mist turned red, as if soaked in human blood.
“The King will not fall. Taste the wrath of one cloaked in authority.”
In the game, this was called the “Wrath of the Fallen King” phase. The blood-red mist solidified into a liquid that embodied ominousness, eventually forming a figure similar to the Elder. But it was larger and still surrounded by a red aura.
“Attack!”
“No reason to fear!”
The hunters lined up as if attacking a cocoon, putting all their strength into the assault. The King’s transformation wasn’t particularly remarkable, which only bolstered their morale.
“Just as the guild master said. No reason to be afraid!”
Entering Phase 2 naturally caused hesitation. Counterattacks could intensify, and unpredictable reactions were expected. But this time, their prior discussions aligned perfectly with the current scenario, allowing everyone to focus on the attack without hesitation.
“The ratios are starting to align.”
After handling the Golem, the balance began to shift toward our favor. The moment the ratio reached my desired level, the King’s eyes turned red. That meant his health was down to half.
“Everyone, fall back!”
“Form defensive lines now and do not advance under any circumstances.”
I had already explained that when the King’s health reached half, he would self-destruct, reform his body, and repeat the process. As planned, everyone retreated behind shields and barriers.
[Using “Blessing of Lightning Lv33.” Electricity courses through the entire body.]
Seizing the moment, I dashed forward alone. With everyone focused on defense, they wouldn’t notice.
However…
Bang!
“Expected this, huh?”
Kang Gun-ho, who had been mingling with the crowd, suddenly blocked my path with his shield. Moreover, Baek So-hyeok had silently stepped forward and stood in front of the King. If they hadn’t anticipated my sudden action, they couldn’t have prepared so perfectly.
‘I thought they would understand…’
With my mouth shut as if I’d swallowed honey, Kang Gun-ho forced a grim smile.
“Woojin, becoming a boy who cried wolf isn’t your future dream, right?”
He seemed to have lost trust in me entirely.
“I’ll handle this myself. Take your brother and fall back.”
Before I could react, Ryu Ji-soo grabbed me from behind, preventing any movement. There was no way I could overpower him. Using skills might allow escape, but doing so without causing harm was nearly impossible.
Besides, Kim Jun next to Ryu Ji-soo was ready to use paralysis poison if I acted recklessly.
‘When did the four of them conspire like this?’
How little trust must they have in me to take such measures?
‘Though I did lie this time…’
Ryu Ji-soo tightened his grip whenever I tried to move even slightly.
“If you’re planning another crazy stunt, stop. Can’t you just act normally without lying?”
Even if I had a hundred mouths, I couldn’t argue.
[“Future Reading Lv3” activates.]
As if to provoke me, the events about to unfold appeared before my eyes. Baek So-hyeok, after attacking, was thrown to the ground by recoil.
〈Ugh.〉
Blood flowed from his head. Everyone rushed to him, but I just stood there dumbly, mouth agape. Such a fool.
‘No.’
In the image, Baek So-hyeok seemed dead. Blood poured from his head, staining the floor. The sticky blood climbed my ankle, choking me.
[Will you let him die?]
A snake whispered in my head. Though faint, its voice dominated my thoughts. Every nerve felt controlled.
‘No. Not that.’
[Then fulfill your role.]
‘Yes. I have to fulfill my role.’
**[Based on the will of the body’s owner, temporary assimilation rate becomes 90%.
※Warning: This may strain the body.]**
The red notification window repeatedly warned me. I didn’t care about physical strain. As long as I didn’t die, it was fine.
[Understood.]
The window disappeared instantly, sensing my determination. Simultaneously, my body acted on its own. To be precise, I hadn’t exerted force, yet it moved automatically.
“Woojin, wait!”
[Using “Blessing of Lightning Lv45 (Temporary).” The lightning obeys your will.]
Ryu Ji-soo’s body went limp, as if struck by a stun gun. He felt no pain, but he couldn’t move.
“Sorry.”
My mouth still conveyed what I wanted to say.
“Worried about your brother? You should take care of yourself first.”
Kang Gun-ho blocked me, asking. I didn’t intend to argue.
[Stacking “Blessing of Lightning Lv45 (Temporary).” Your body moves like light.]
Blue energy surged from my entire body as I bypassed Kang Gun-ho and Baek So-hyeok, standing before the King.
‘Woojin Baek… was this strong?’
My body moved on its own to achieve my goal. It felt strange—Woojin Baek had never been this strong, at least to my memory.
The spear in my hand felt different too. It was thicker, older, and the tip radiated both light and darkness. I watched it blankly, like a spectator at a movie.
[Yes. This is what you wanted.]
The voice in my head was sharper now.
‘Yeah, but…’
Light spread like watercolors in my vision. After this attack, my body would likely not endure.
The Planariant King, upon entering Phase 2 and losing more than half his health, reflected the shock of attacks back onto the attacker. The lower his health, the weaker the effect, making the first strike the riskiest. Stronger attacks reflected more intensely.
‘If I cut his health in one blow, the others won’t suffer reflected damage.’
Could that even work?
[It can. What a dumb question.]
I hovered midair, locking eyes with the King. He stared directly at me.
‘Why that expression?’
Unlike his arrogant words, he seemed resigned to his death. Perhaps just my impression, but the “Fallen King” had the eyes of an old man fulfilling his role.
Unlike my thoughts, my body moved without hesitation. The spear pierced the King’s head precisely.
Then…
Agonizing pain ripped through me. The pain was so intense I marveled I hadn’t died instantly.
‘I can’t breathe.’
Even trying to grab my throat, air wouldn’t flow. My vision turned white.
[Trait “Boundless Regeneration” activates.]
The phrase I’d been waiting for flashed, but I couldn’t respond, my mind drifting into oblivion.
