Chapter 13

◈ Chapter 13. A Whale in the Whale's Fight (1)

The rate of the crack's collapse has sharply increased.

- The achievement rate of the crack strategy in the outskirts of the territory has reached 95%, and we have just received breaking news that the collapse rate of the crack in the [Baron's Territory] has surpassed 60%.

It was just one day.

The collapse rate of the crack has broken through 60%.

After the great upheaval.

Although many cracks have been created and disappeared over time,

- This... I've never seen a case like this before.

It's unprecedented for the collapse rate to rise so sharply.

There were also panelists speculating on the reason.

- The collapse speed varies slightly from crack to crack. Generally, the stronger the monsters inside the crack, the shorter the time the crack can withstand.

- Does that mean the monsters inside the crack are stronger than expected?

- Yes. The problem is that the collapse speed has increased. To be precise... 'The monsters inside the crack have become stronger than before.' Compared to a day ago.

The panelists were at a loss for words at this statement.

The high difficulty of this crack, which they had heard about ad nauseam.

And now, the monsters have become even stronger.

- ...Isn't there a reason for this? A monster doesn't suddenly become stronger, right?

Right, there must be a reason.

If we can find that reason,

the monsters becoming even stronger,

and the sharp increase in the crack's collapse rate,

can we prevent it?

But no matter how much they discussed, they couldn't find an answer.

In the end, the anchor had no choice but to give this closing remark.

- I hope the players can bring us some good news.

.

.

.

I took my eyes off the screen.

I don't know about other players, but...

...I feel like I know.

The reason why the monsters inside the crack have become stronger,

and the reason why the collapse rate has sharply increased.

Despite returning to Arcana after 10 years.

If someone asks why I'm pretending to know so much,

I can confidently retort.

Still, I know more about demons than you do.

The endless training in Akshar!

The information about demons that I heard so often it made my ears ring.

Among them, it was natural that there were vampires.

- Vampires can share their powers through blood. Of course, they can also reclaim the powers they have shared. So don't let your guard down until the end.

The vampire, Baron Ascura, granted his powers to [Blood-soaked Beasts] and [Blood-soaked Bandits].

When these monsters were defeated by players, the powers that had been divided among them naturally returned to Baron Ascura...

'That's why the collapse rate has sharply increased.'

Indeed, when I think about it this way, everything makes sense.

I could also predict the next development.

'Wait, if the territory is attacked, the collapse rate of the stronghold will sharply increase, right?'

Considering that the current collapse rate has already surpassed 60%...

'It must be at least 90%, right?'

Perhaps the stronghold crack will collapse.

It might even appear in reality.

It was a worst-case scenario, but the probability was quite high.

And considering the level of Baron Ascura, who is at level 430.

The thought of that monster becoming even stronger,

indeed, made me feel a bit hopeless.

However, my actions remained unchanged.

I opened the wardrobe in the usual manner.

I chose my attire according to the occasion.

Naturally, a suit of a slightly different color from yesterday.

But I had a realization from shivering in the cold.

I put on a black long coat over the suit.

...Yeah, a long coat.

It might get in the way while active in the crack.

But it's better than freezing to death. Whatever.

Let's think positively.

But despite that, my mood wasn't particularly good.

I muttered to myself.

"A nobleman gives but does not take back. Baron Ascura."

This was the pride of a nobleman as thought by Granphel, the head of the Claudy family.

His pride despised Baron Ascura's actions.

Click—

I added while putting on my shoes.

"No, even the title of Baron is a waste. Ascura."

If anyone saw,

it might look decent enough.

Click—

...Except for the

green tea teabag in my hand.

I'm grateful no one is watching.

I headed to the Mage's Tower.

*

The real strategy begins.

[Baron's Territory]

[Recommended Level: Lv.350~400]

[Collapse Progress: 66.1%]

I checked the crack information again.

Various reactions erupted from all over.

"The recommended level is 350 to 400?! Are you kidding, really?"

"The collapse rate has increased by 6% in less than an hour."

"Seriously, if the territory is this bad, what about the stronghold?"

Hundreds of [Outskirts of the Territory] cracks have been cleared.

Now, only about thirty [Baron's Territory] cracks remain to be cleared before we can enter the [Baron's Stronghold] crack where Baron Ascura is.

With the number of cracks significantly reduced,

the competition among players has become intense.

It's only natural.

The recommended level is a staggering 350~400.

Given that it's a high-level crack, the experience and loot are certainly not to be underestimated.

With the number of cracks insufficient, competition is inevitable.

So, the strategy is to find a relatively easy opponent to compete against.

The guild master of Gaon.

Nam Taemin was in a relatively good position.

"Well, as long as it's not Shining."

Aside from Shining, anyone else is manageable.

Nam Taemin was confident.

Although the initial clear was taken by the wildcard Berserker, it was a very close call with Shining.

Nam Cheolmin thought the same.

Nam Cheolmin tapped on his tablet PC.

"Shining must be on edge too. It won't be good for them if they choose the same crack as us. It would be like they're trying to go down together."

So, let's choose this crack.

Gaon quickly secured the base camp.

But then, an unwelcome guest appeared, whom they had momentarily forgotten.

Nam Taemin's eyebrows twitched.

"...Hey, look at these guys?"

The 4th-ranked guild, Inazuma.

As the name suggests, it was a Japanese guild.

Even if the Mage's Tower had risen,

it was impossible for them to establish roots in Korea.

Due to their stubbornness,

Inazuma only arrived in Russia after a full day of travel.

The guild master of Inazuma,

Hisagi Kazuma, looked at Nam Taemin.

Nam Taemin didn't avert his gaze.

No words were exchanged,

but they understood each other.

Nam Taemin said,

"Those guys want to try. What do you think, bro?"

Nam Cheolmin, tapping on his tablet, shrugged.

"We've already secured our position, so it wouldn't look good to back down, right?"

Korea and Japan.

Gaon and Inazuma chose the same crack.

The news spread quickly.

The filming crews buzzed.

"Gaon and Inazuma are going head-to-head?! This is definitely a scoop!"

However, there were too many scoops here.

Endless new developments.

Among them, there was another setup that drew as much attention as the confrontation between Gaon and Inazuma.

"Second Sun and Bohemian. They have two competitors now?"

"This is going to make Berserker's initial clear even more troublesome."

"They have no sense of honor. How can they call themselves a European alliance when they fight among themselves?"

But the most interesting development was

the top two guilds in the rankings,

Shining and Heaven's Unification, clashing.

Shining from the United States.

Heaven's Unification from China.

Indeed, a competition that could draw the world's attention.

The world's order might be shaken depending on the outcome.

"Heaven's Unification, are they just planning to throw sand in the eyes?"

"Is this about going down together?"

"If they fight, neither will benefit."

Of course, for both guilds,

it was a lose-lose situation.

They would have to share the experience and loot of the new crack with their strongest competitor.

But neither would back down.

So, it was just a show for the audience.

"Alright, let's have a vote now!"

The netstreamer players were as excited as the reporters.

Only players can enter the crack.

Yesterday, they enjoyed the live stream of the crack's internal situation.

So, the netstreamers had to pay attention.

"Please leave comments! I'll actively reflect any sponsor messages!"

Indeed, which crack should they choose to attract the most viewers?

The repeated guessing game.

The only one who could be free from this guessing game was...

only one person.

.

.

.

Current temperature: -5°C.

Is this for real?

Dropping more than 5°C in just one day.

At least I wore a coat.

Otherwise, I would have frozen to death before even entering the crack.

Steam—

I warmed my hands with the heat of the teacup.

Indeed, it was worth the extra effort in the [Exploration] and [Interference] process.

Just by making the teacup's shape a bit more complex,

it didn't cool down easily in the freezing wind.

'I'm getting used to it.'

To [Magic], not [Skills].

Thanks to Granphel's talent for quickly mastering such magic.

I emptied the cup and let go of the handle.

Clunk—

The cup transformed again in mid-air.

As it fell, it returned to its stone form.

'The effort in [Exploration] and [Interference] also decreases with [Restoration].'

This was another application I discovered while getting used to magic.

I seriously pondered.

'...Of course, the question is whether I can use this in actual combat.'

I'll have to find out through trial and error.

Of course, I'm not underestimating this crack.

'Ascura's Confidant': Lv.390

'Ascura's Knight': Lv.350

'Ascura's Soldier': Lv.300

These levels are not to be underestimated.

Even if I overlook the soldiers and knights,

there's a difference of over 300 levels with the confidant.

But when did I ever care about such things?

Click—

I've accepted it long ago.

'I have no choice but to live like this.'

So, I just do my best to struggle.

Like an elegant swan trying not to sink.

Struggling beneath the surface.

I also struggle in unseen places.

Just like I did from yesterday to this morning.

I hope my efforts are meaningful.

Click—

I entered the crack without hesitation.

.

.

.

Upon entering the crack, I saw buildings that had collapsed in a terrible state.

It was too shabby to be called the [Baron's Territory].

Even if this environment is a mix of reality and Arcana, this is too much.

My noble aesthetic sense naturally frowned.

"A miserable territory. Ascura."

I moved forward, my coat fluttering.

"!"

Soon, I encountered 'Ascura's Soldier'.

The soldier's eyes were bloodshot.

His developed fangs protruded from his mouth.

As if he was thirsty,

saliva dripped continuously from the corners of his mouth.

The soldier, sensing my presence, charged at me.

I stared at the charging soldier.

Yes, this confirmed it once again.

This was not an act of loyalty.

It was just a manifestation of

the vile curse of the vampire,

a pitiful victim.

I said again,

"Even this is a waste."

I [Explored] the collapsed building and [Interfered] with its form.

"But it's even a waste for you."

The magic [Manifested] immediately.

Boom—!!

.

.

.

Rumble—!

The roar from behind.

"?!"

The two men turned their heads without hesitation.

A faint cloud of dust rose.

Grind—

Nam Taemin and Hisagi Kazuma gritted their teeth simultaneously.

'...Whoever it is, they should stop it.'

We're already struggling to keep up with each other.