Chapter 26
For several days, Shin Hyuk threw himself fully into playing the Dimension Arena.
As if making up for the time he had neglected it—while unconscious and while forging the demonic spear—he rampaged through the Arena like a madman.
[Super Rookie Choi Shin Hyuk achieves #1 in Dimension Arena for several consecutive days!]
[Choi Shin Hyuk’s next goal: the Global TOP 100 Promotion Match?!]
As a result, Shin Hyuk reached the very peak of Silver 1 in just a few days.
He even succeeded in receiving an invitation to the Global TOP 100 Promotion Match.
It had been a long time since South Korea produced a participant in the Global TOP 100, and reporters swarmed toward Shin Hyuk like bees to honey.
[Choi Shin Hyuk says, “I’ll repay you with first place.”]
- Let’s goooooo!
- Are we finally going to have a #1 player in the Global TOP 100 Promotion Match?!
- Is Choi Shin Hyuk a god? Is he a god? Is he a god?
- He’s restoring order to the player world… He’s the god of normalization!
Standing before the gathered reporters, Shin Hyuk boldly dropped a bombshell.
He declared that he would take first place in the Global TOP 100 Promotion Match.
Some might dismiss it as merely a Silver-tier promotion battle—but this was a clash of world-class prodigies.
In other words, first place here meant being the player with the highest potential to reach the very top in the future.
Just as everyone’s hearts were pounding from his shocking declaration—
“That’s a ridiculous amount.”
—Caw!
“Yeah, even you think so, Kkamaki?”
—Caw!
Shin Hyuk was staring at a mountain of Rare and Rare+ grade materials piled high before him.
It was the shipment Choi Cheolho had promised earlier.
And Shin Hyuk planned to use it to evolve the Armor of Absorption to Rare+ grade.
“Kkamaki, you eat this.”
—Caw caw!
He opened a can of pet-exclusive feed he had personally obtained and set it on the floor. As Kkamaki flailed about in joy behind him, Shin Hyuk pulled out the Armor of Absorption and put it on.
“Alright. Let’s eat.”
—Grrrrr…
As the armor growled hungrily at the pile of “food,” Shin Hyuk picked up the materials one by one and brought them to the mouth attached to the armor.
Crunch!
It was time for a proper feast.
* * *
It took a full day for Shin Hyuk to finish feeding the Armor of Absorption.
Even Rare-grade materials took dozens of minutes each to consume, and Rare+ materials took twice as long.
Fortunately, the armor reached Rare+ grade without devouring every single material in the pile.
If it had required everything, it might have taken several times longer.
“Hoo… I’m exhausted.”
Shin Hyuk, who had to wear the armor the entire time, collapsed to the floor in fatigue.
Even though he had pushed his stats to the Silver-tier cap through playing Dimension Arena, he couldn’t shake off the exhaustion.
But when he checked the now Rare+ Armor of Absorption, happiness bloomed in his eyes.
[Armor of Absorption]
- Rare+ Grade
An armor that once contained the power of a Great Demon, though that power has now completely faded.
- All Stats +21
- Defense +98
- Unique Skill: Shock Absorption
- This item can grow.
“…Perfect.”
Upon reaching Rare+, the All Stats bonus had jumped from +5 to +21—a massive increase of 16 points.
Defense had also reached 98, near the maximum possible for Rare+.
And like the Black Flame of his demonic spear, it had gained a Unique Skill: Shock Absorption.
His happiness was immeasurable.
And the rewards didn’t end there.
Flash!
“…Kkamaki’s status?!”
Kkamaki, who had been happily stuffing himself with pet feed, was suddenly engulfed in brilliant light.
As far as Shin Hyuk knew, there was only one reason for that.
“You’re evolving!”
As if agreeing with him, the light faded, revealing a noticeably larger Kkamaki.
[Pet: Kkamaki has evolved to Rare grade.]
—Caw!
After stroking the triumphant bird, Shin Hyuk immediately checked its status.
[Status Window]
Name: Kkamaki
(Stats)
Strength: 45 Vitality: 38 Intelligence: 30 Mana: 40
(Traits)
- Equipment Transformation
- Feather Storm
“Definitely on a different level.”
Its stats had increased across the board, and it even gained a new trait.
With a satisfied nod, Shin Hyuk murmured:
“With this, all preparations are complete.”
A Unique+ demonic spear.
A Rare+ Armor of Absorption.
A Rare-grade pet, Kkamaki.
Fully equipped, Shin Hyuk checked his own status.
[Status Window]
Name: Choi Shin Hyuk
Class: All Master
Title: Disciple of the Martial God (Temporary)
(Stats)
Strength: 100 (+101)
Vitality: 100 (+101)
Intelligence: 100 (+101)
Mana: 100 (+101)
Divine Power: 100 (+101)
Demonic Energy: 100 (+101)
(Traits)
- Versatile
- Gluttony
(Skills)
Necromancy [C]
Shield
Comprehensive Weapon Mastery [D]
Tracking [E]
Metallurgy [B]
Spirit Arts [E]
Heaven-Shattering Destruction Style [B]
Taeguk Divine Art [D]
The stat boosts from the holy sword, demonic spear, and Armor of Absorption totaled 101.
Combined with his Silver-tier capped base stats, every stat now exceeded 200.
Of course, the other Global TOP 100 participants would likely be at a similar level.
They were all treasured super rookies or chosen talents of their respective guilds and nations.
But Shin Hyuk wasn’t worried.
“I wonder what the reward will be if I win overwhelmingly.”
He only looked forward to the prize awaiting absolute first place.
* * *
The Global TOP 100 Promotion Match—especially the Silver-tier division—had become a blazing topic worldwide.
This time’s Silver participants were extraordinary.
[USA – Alice Veronia, successor to Demon Emperor Robert Jason, confirmed for TOP 100 Promotion Match!]
[China – Hong Dengping, acknowledged by Martial Emperor Peng Yuan, to compete!]
[Japan – Shrine Maiden of the Gentle Wind, Mizuki Ryo, declares she will prove her worth!]
[European Union – Flash Knight Deville Alondrong, boasting speed rivaling the Swift King, enters the TOP 100!]
The United States and China—leaders of the player world—were sending their finest. Japan and the EU followed close behind with their own elite prodigies.
Even nations slightly behind—South America, Russia, India—brought forward their brightest talents.
Everyone knew this Silver-tier match would be a war of stars.
And then Shin Hyuk dropped a nuclear bomb.
[Korea – Choi Shin Hyuk: “Maybe not in other tiers, but first place in Silver is already decided.”]
Though indirectly phrased, it was practically a declaration that he was first place.
The world erupted.
- Who is that arrogant Easterner?
- A player from a small country dares speak like that?
- America is great!
- He’ll be lucky to make top ten!
Hate comments flooded his articles.
But unlike the public, the players who would face him thought differently.
United States
“Alice. The one you need to be most careful of…”
“I know. Shin Hyuk, right?”
“He was the first person on Earth placed directly into Silver 1 during placement tests. Every game he’s played—he’s taken first.”
“I’ve watched all the footage.”
“Good. The government and guild have high expectations.”
“Leave it to me. A Berserker never loses.”
Alice’s eyes glowed red.
China
“Dengping. Don’t underestimate him because he’s from a small country. Crush him thoroughly.”
“Yes, Master Peng! I will not disappoint the Martial Emperor!”
“Show the dignity of our great nation—and defeat even the arrogant Yankees.”
“Leave it to me!”
Japan
“Ryo. Your abilities aren’t suited for direct combat… but if your trait activates, that’s another story. Live up to the title of Shrine Maiden.”
“At least against him—I won’t lose.”
European Union
“Hah, declaring first place… How bold. Can you back that up, Alondrong?”
“I have only ever lost to you, Weapon Master Banner.”
“Good. Show results worthy of that confidence.”
Every top player and their disciples regarded Shin Hyuk with intense caution.
Meanwhile, the man who had shaken the world with a single sentence prepared quietly in his room.
Click.
Wearing the Armor of Absorption, holding the holy sword in one hand and the demonic spear in the other, with Kkamaki perched on his shoulder—
His father, Choi In-gyun, patted his back.
“Son. I believe in you.”
“You know I always keep my word. I’ll come back with first place.”
His father’s voice trembled, but his faith was unwavering.
“Shin Hyuk… just don’t get hurt.”
“Yes, Mom.”
To his mother, Lee So-yeon, he offered reassurance.
“The next TOP 100 is mine, so watch out!”
“You could do it. First place might be tough though.”
“…Want to get hit?”
He teased his only friend, Sua.
“If you don’t get first, I’m never making you equipment again.”
“Oh no. Guess I absolutely have to win.”
He responded dramatically to Sejin’s mock threat, drawing laughter.
Then his expression hardened.
“I’ll be back.”
And in that instant—
Shin Hyuk vanished from the room.
The Global TOP 100 Silver Promotion Match had begun.
