Episode 16
“Are you feeling okay?”
Taehyun came up to the rooftop again and asked Seol Hoon-do, who was lying down.
Unlike Jeongjae Lee.
He was not completely devoured and was groaning with only his limbs broken one by one.
“Ugh… Ugh… You saved my life…”
“It’s not for free. “I should get 1 billion.”
10 billion.
It was twice the amount that Seol Hoon-do had called a moment ago.
No matter how much prices have risen, this is an amount that the average person will never be able to obtain in their lifetime.
“That’s…”
“Rejection is unacceptable.”
Taehyun raised his hand, interrupting Seolhundo.
The dark red magical power that had defeated Lee Jeong-jae and Seol Hoon-do a little while ago stirred.
“Kuh…”
Even if Seol Hoon-do is an A-level player, 1 billion won is not an amount that can be handed over easily.
Nevertheless, Taehyun was confident that his proposal would be accepted.
This is because it is clear that Lee Jeong-jae would have truly lost his life if he had not stopped his predation in the middle.
And now.
Seol Hoon-do’s life was also in Tae-hyeon’s hands.
“One billion won for the life of a third-generation chaebol is nothing. “If I add the cost of your life to that, I don’t know if I’m losing money.”
Taehyun said, making an exaggerated gesture.
‘of course. ‘I have no intention of killing him right now.’
Even though he said he was threatened, there is no way he could be allowed to commit murder at school.
Unlike actions or words.
There was no benefit in drawing the attention of the inspection bureau for no reason.
More than anything.
‘It’s not bad if you get the skill and get 1 billion won.’
I received enough compensation for being threatened by Lee Jung-jae.
Perhaps it was a situation that would be more beneficial than clearing three dungeons.
“What is the answer?”
“Ah…I understand. “I’ll tell the higher-ups.”
“Give me one day. “It would be troublesome to just take revenge for no reason, so shall we make the ‘Awakened Pact’?”
“That’s… hehe… I understand.”
Seol Hoon-do, who was about to say something, sighed and accepted the offer.
The Awakened Oath.
It was a promise similar to a contract made by awakened people who control magical power using the system.
Since there is a permanent penalty in case of violation, players do not enter into agreements as much as possible.
Now, Seol Hoon-do had no choice.
This is because Taehyun’s murderous eyes were glaring at him as if he would not tolerate rejection.
After a while.
Tiring.
[The Awakened Pact has been concluded.]
A message window appeared in front of Taehyeon.
[One. Awakened Seol Hoon-do (A) delivers 1 billion won to Awakened Kim Tae-hyun (A) within 24 hours. 2. Awakened Seol Hoon-do (A) shall notify Awakened Kim Tae-hyeon (A) in advance of any retaliatory actions. If you violate this, you risk a permanent penalty.]
Permanent penalty.
Penalties applied randomly, such as physical stats being reduced or skills being deleted.
Although it varies depending on the individual, it was a fatal penalty that could easily lead to retirement for a player where every stat is important.
“good. Then, I will deposit the money into the account you told me…”
Taehyun took out a potion from his arms and threw it.
“This is…”
Seolhundo looked at the small bottle in his hand.
Low-level healing potion.
Although the broken limb would not be fully recovered, it would be recovered enough to allow some movement.
“Drink all the time and come down. “Isn’t that what a grown man does?”
“…Let me be thankful.”
Seol Hoon-do put aside his pride as an A-grade player and poured the potion into his mouth.
If you hadn’t underestimated your opponent and brought along plenty of equipment, wouldn’t you have been defeated?
no.
Seolhundo admitted that he had misjudged.
Kim Tae-hyun was not a growing prospect like Lee Jeong-jae.
‘This guy is a growing monster.’
As soon as I drank the entire potion, my body instantly felt energized.
Seolhundo stumbled and went down the rooftop.
“Phew….”
Taehyun let out a long sigh after confirming that Seolhundo had completely gone down from the rooftop.
“I never would have guessed that that person was Seol Hoon-do.”
Force Magician Seol Hoon-do.
Taehyun had also heard that name.
A grade A player famous for freely using the four enhanced skills.
He was also a named player who will play an active role in the Taesan Guild that will be established in the future.
‘Is it still too much to prey on two people at the same time?’
In the first place, it was Taehyun who also tried to prey on Seolhoon.
but.
Predating S-rank Lee Jeong-jae required more magical power than expected, and the predation refused to devour Seolhundo.
It was clear that even if he had overdone it, the skill would have been automatically canceled.
‘As expected, humans are more troublesome than monsters.’
Fatigue came from the use of skills and psychological warfare.
Taehyun took out a fatigue potion, drank it, and opened the status window.
The newly added skill made me smile.
* * *
Three hours after Taehyun bumped into Lee Jeongjae.
The room of Lee Jeong-su, president of Taesan Electronics.
The head of a huge company took a shot of whiskey with ice in it.
And then he looked down at Seol Hoon-do, who was kneeling in front of him.
“You and Jeongjae were beaten by a 19-year-old kid. And he decided to give 1 billion in exchange for his life. “Is that what you mean?”
“…That’s right.”
Seolhundo said, unable to raise his head.
Even to those who were hired as escorts, the situation and conditions are absurd.
Therefore, even if there were ten mouths, there was nothing to say.
That’s why I didn’t talk about the Awakened Oath.
It was clear that he would be discarded as soon as he spoke.
The man in front of me had such strength and power.
“My only son is in the hospital and still can’t come to his senses.”
“sorry.”
Quang!
Lee Jeong-soo roughly set down the diamond drinking glass.
Seolhundo’s body flinched from that momentum.
“That’s interesting. Please deposit the money.”
“yes?”
Seol Hoon-do questioned Lee Jeong-su’s unexpected words.
I thought there was going to be a kick.
Given Lee Jeong-su’s usual personality, it was something that could have been done.
“I saved my son’s life, so that little bit of money would be fine.”
“Oh, I understand. Immediately…”
“But if you paid the price, this side should also get paid. Find out what mine can move right now. “I guess two will be enough, right?”
“Boss… That’s…!!”
What Jeongsu Lee meant was clear.
It was the moment when Seol Hoon-do was about to protest.
“stop. “I don’t allow dogs to bark.”
Lee Jeong-su’s body radiated a power that made even A-grade players bow their heads.
‘This… is the perfected S-rank power.’
Seolhundo was sobbing from the force pressing down on his body, which felt like a huge wall.
* * *
That time.
Taehyun, who had left school without permission, was located in the first floor lobby of the Players Association building.
As the wait took longer than expected, Taehyun was scanning the status window.
Name: Taehyun Kim
Age: 19
Grade: C
Strength: 30 Stamina: 32 Speed: 31 Magic Power: 65 Charm: 5
Fatigue: 40%
Remaining Magic Power: 12/65
[Skill]
Predation (30%) – Can prey on the desired target. . Magic Power: 15
Stone Skin (C) – Can strengthen the body. Magic Power: 9
Stealth (C) – You can hide your body. Magic Power: 8
Paralysis (C) – Binds the target’s body. Magic Power: 7
Lord’s Heart (C) – Increases party member’s abilities. Magic Power: 10
‘I devoured a huge skill.’
Although it is not detailed in the status window’s description, Taehyun knows all the skills that will be released in the next 15 years.
‘Heart of the Monarch’, which appears to awakeners of at least C grade, was a skill that was treated as rare regardless of the awakening grade.
That’s because there is no one who has this skill who has not achieved a place in the future.
Taehyun believed that this skill must have had a significant influence on Lee Jeongjae’s success as the guild leader of the Taesan guild.
‘I was hoping to have a charisma stat if possible.’
Taehyun savored his appetite as if looking at the newly registered stats in the status window.
Charm stat.
Additional abilities other than the four basic stats.
It was a stat mainly shown to people in the entertainment industry or media.
‘Because it’s better than nothing.’
While he was thinking about how to use his charm stat, a man walked in front of Taehyun.
“Did you wait long? I’m sorry. “It’s a workplace with a very short workforce.”
“no. “I know you must be very busy, but thank you for your time.”
Taehyun, who closed the status window, looked at Go Tae-wook and said.
“So you have something to say to me? “That is also very, very important.”
This is what Tae-hyun, who came to Go Tae-wook without any special appointments, said to the staff in the lobby.
This was the only way for Taehyun, who was just a high school student, to meet an A-grade player without an appointment.
‘Well, something like this would only work on the good-natured Deputy Chief.’
Taehyun, who knew how ignorant most players were, smiled bitterly.
But now, the man in front of me. I had to focus on Go Tae-wook.
“Deputy Director Go Tae-wook. I would like you to give me an invitation to take the player test.”
“…!!”
In Taehyun’s words.
Ko Tae-wook’s expression wavered for a moment.
‘How could this child…’
Invitations are sent out under the direction of the president of the association, but it is all a matter of utmost secrecy.
This was not information that a high school student who was not an executive of a large organization would know.
On the other hand, Taehyun was satisfied when he realized that he had attracted Go Tae-wook’s attention.
Originally, I had planned to take the exam only next year when the requirements were officially met.
Until then, I will increase my abilities by conquering undiscovered dungeons.
The reason I changed my plan was because of Lee Jeong-jae’s predation incident.
President Lee Jeong-soo, president of Taesan Electronics and the de facto ruler of Taesan Group.
‘If it were him, he would hire a killer and take revenge.’
If he wanted to, he could destroy my aunt’s family both financially and with force.
Taehyun didn’t have the energy to care about them right now.
‘I need a fence to protect me.’
That’s why he came to Go Tae-wook even after revising his plan.
If you become a member of the Players’ Association, the salary will be lower than that of a large guild, but the state will be responsible for your family’s safety.
It is basic to be provided with the best security system and association apartments where players are placed.
“That’s amazing. “How did you know that information?”
“I’ll let you know about that when I become a player.”
Taehyun speaks without giving up.
Go Tae-wook quietly applied pressure.
“…Kim Tae-hyun. “His potential level is unknown and he is still classified as non-awakened.”
“As expected, you have completed your investigation.”
Taehyun smiled brightly.
The investigation was conducted based on just seeing oneself in the main auditorium.
He thought that the Go Tae-wook he knew would be like that.
“But what am I looking for in you that I’m asking for an invitation?”
“There is the most certain way. “Try using your skills on me.”
Taehyun gathered his magic power.
This was consciously controlled to prevent predation from being triggered by the opponent’s skills.
After a while.
Go Tae-wook, who was using a skill to look at Tae-hyun’s status window, opened his eyes wide.
“Secret paralysis in Stoneskin… The heart of a monarch?!!”
“invitation. “Can I get it?”
At Taehyun’s confident request.
It was Go Tae-wook with a complicated expression.
