Chapter 20

◈ Chapter 20. A Being of Love and Hate (1)

High contribution to the battle.

It was to check the loot automatically obtained thanks to that.

However, what caught his eye first was none other than a necklace.

A demon's item.

The necklace that had been chosen as the offering for the exorcism ritual.

He thought it would have surely evaporated...

[Necklace of Sublime Promise]

[Grade: Rare]

[Limit: Lv.300]

[Effect: When hit, there is a low probability of the skill 'Intermediate Protection' being activated.]

[Description: A necklace for lovers heading to the battlefield. With the wish for the other's safety, it is imbued with magic power, giving it an excellent effect.]

It was there.

And it was in a state where the curse had been lifted.

'Did the exorcism ritual act as a purification process?'

To have to offer the first Rare item he obtained as an offering.

It was due to Granfel's setting of not being attached to wealth and fame.

Though he couldn't show it, how bitter he felt inside!

But this changes the story, doesn't it?

Moreover, the effect of 'Intermediate Protection' being activated when hit.

Even if it's not a grand prize, it should at least be a win, right?

[Vampire Baron's Orb]

[Grade: Unique]

[Limit: Lv.400]

[Effect: Sealed]

[Description: Cursed by a demon, its effect is sealed. To know its proper effect, it must be purified.]

That was already a significant achievement, but a Unique item as well.

I have to admit.

This was something that couldn't help but surprise me.

However, I showed no sign of being shaken.

I moved my unwavering gaze.

The orb.

It was a bright red sphere.

It shimmered as if filled with red blood.

This is also a demon's item.

Since its effect is sealed, I couldn't be sure what kind of item it is yet.

However, what is certain is that its grade is [Unique].

And it has a level limit of 400.

...Wouldn't this sell for a pretty penny?

I couldn't help but think that.

In the past, I vaguely remember seeing knights.

They said that hundreds of millions, even billions, could be exchanged for a single item, right?

However, that thought didn't last long.

To hand over what is yours to someone else?

Just to make some money?

Granfel's lofty pride wouldn't allow it.

But I didn't feel disappointed.

Level 400.

For some reason.

A number that should feel distant and unreachable.

But I felt as if I could definitely reach it.

Is it just simple confidence, the arrogance of youth?

No, this is also a confidence based on solid grounds.

I opened my status window.

[Name: Granfel Claudius Arpeus Romeo]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 134]

[Attributes]

Strength: 27 / Agility: 33 / Magic: 51 / Luck: 2

[Available Points: 34]

The experience points gained from hunting the Count Ascura.

Despite sharing the experience points with the cap, it still increased by 34 levels.

A 34-level jump in the Arcana experience system.

...This is a new record.

In addition to the level increase.

─Hunt the vampire. (In Progress) ▲

●Inform that the hunt has begun. (Success)

●Make the hunted feel the fear of being hunted. (Success)

●Hunt the vampire. (Success)

Even the class quest.

Because of these grounds.

I could stand here so proudly.

Even in front of the items I obtained.

"Wow! What is this?"

Even in front of the cap, which has reached a level I can't touch.

However...

I shifted my gaze to the cap.

So, what is this?

Tap tap─

She poked the Count Ascura, now reduced to ashes, with her staff.

The ashes were barely a handful.

But smoke kept rising from the remains.

"It doesn't smell like anything!"

My furrowed brows, without realizing it.

It was also influenced by Granfel, who valued dignity above all.

But my feelings were no different.

No, there was no need to sniff and smell it...

But it was definitely strange.

The smoke was too vivid to be just smoke.

It could be seen even from a distance.

Just as I was thinking that.

"!"

The quest window flashed.

[Class Quest: Dawn]

The curtain rises, and the beacon fire rises.

O last demon hunter.

Illuminate the world shrouded in evil.

─Strengthen your weakened body. (Repeat)

From 'Dawn of Retaliation' to 'Dawn'.

There was progress in the class quest.

I read the floating quest window and understood.

The smoke didn't rise for no reason.

There was no immediate goal given other than strengthening the body.

When the right time comes, the quest will start on its own, as it has always been.

Well, until then, think of it as personal maintenance time.

Considering the gap I felt, I needed time to struggle as well.

"Jesse!!"

At that moment, I heard a sound.

Jesse, the name of the cap.

It was definitely a name I had heard somewhere before.

Anyway, was it because of the lightning Jesse summoned?

Players started to gather one after another.

Then they were shocked.

"Count Ascura? Where is he? I can't see him?"

"Wait. Jesse, what are you poking with your staff? What is that?"

"......What, what? Jesse, you don't mean...?!"

Stare─

Jesse didn't answer but looked at me.

Thanks to that, everyone's gaze focused on me.

Jesse spoke cautiously.

"Etiquette... I don't know much, but I'll do my best!"

What followed was an unexpected self-introduction.

"My name is Jesse Haines! If it's not too much trouble, may I ask for your name?"

I looked around at the question.

It was definitely different from the battle in the square.

...Click.

Everyone was holding their breath, focusing on me.

Just like Jesse.

They must all be players who have reached an incredible level.

These great people are waiting for my words to fall.

...Clearly, this is a situation where I should feel burdened.

But I was rather satisfied with their attitude.

I felt the formality in their restrained silence.

It must be a posture I couldn't even imagine just a short while ago.

But there is no mistake.

This change is also part of my dark history.

I know it's me.

So answering wasn't difficult.

"I am Lee Ho-yul."

*

Lee Ho-yul.

The mysterious player who hunted Count Ascura with Jesse Haines.

It was only natural for his name to spread throughout the world.

It was a performance that was hard to express in words.

"Count Ascura's level was a whopping 430. Most predictions were that he would be even stronger than that level. And to hunt him alone with just one other person!"

"Truly, it's an event that can't help but shock not only Korea but the world. What do you think?"

"Indeed, the overseas reaction is extremely hot."

VBC's flagship program, Today's Arcana.

The expert panelists were passionately discussing for a moment.

"Cut."

With PD Hyun Yong-seok's signal, the data screen appeared.

Hyun Yong-seok took off his headset and sighed.

"Really, what am I supposed to do with you?"

Beside him was camera director Yoon Jong-jin.

Yoon Jong-jin scratched his head.

"No, senior, I really didn't have time to think? Try to see it from my perspective. I was just trailing behind the Gaon guild. Suddenly, the castle collapsed? Not only that, but a loud boom and lightning struck!"

Closing his eyes tightly.

Hyun Yong-seok, who continued to send the signal to keep going.

Then the not-so-good excuse continued.

"I thought I was going to die. Whether I die like this or die for missing the scoop, it's the same. So I ran. When I ran... there was Jesse Haines. And what's this? That silver-haired guy was there again?"

"So."

"I felt like my heart dropped. How many times have I disappointed you, senior? I missed it when the Berserker guild appeared, and then the square battle broke out. This is an opportunity I can't miss. This time, I'll do whatever it takes to get the interview. So..."

"So?"

So, all he got was this one line?

"I am Lee Ho-yul."

Hyun Yong-seok was boiling inside.

It was really a rare opportunity.

But who could blame him?

"...Yeah, you probably didn't have the presence of mind to ask properly."

Who would have thought he would only say his real name there!

Accessing the Arcana official website.

No matter how much I searched the ranking page, there were no results.

For a player with the nickname 'Lee Ho-yul'.

Of course, there were some.

But they were just using the same nickname.

They weren't the real Lee Ho-yul.

"...What a guy, really?"

How many incidents involving Lee Ho-yul have there been in the new rift alone?

From the first clear of the new rift by the Berserker guild.

The joint front with Gaon and Inazuma.

To the Ascura Baron raid with Jesse Haines.

Any one of these would have significantly boosted his reputation.

From an unknown to a top player.

No, even more than that.

He could have increased his own value.

But the words he left were just...

"Move. My patience has reached its limit."

"There is no formality to be found."

"Therefore, I will not answer any questions."

"I am Lee Ho-yul."

That was all!

Even the name he revealed was unknown whether it was his real name or a pseudonym.

Despite seeing all kinds of celebrities and players in the broadcasting industry.

"I've never seen it before. I shouldn't blame you anymore. Now."

No, it wasn't just Hyun Yong-seok who saw it for the first time.

The players were no different.

*

"Bro. Still, I think it's a good thing."

"...What's good about it?"

Lee Ho-yul's value skyrocketed.

Nam Chul-min, lying on the sofa, realized that it was practically impossible for Gaon to keep Ho-yul.

Nam Tae-min shrugged at his brother.

"Judgment of character. At least that one aspect is still alive, right?"

"What do you mean? I didn't expect him to be that level."

"No, that's beyond common sense, so it's not your fault."

However, the battle for Lee Ho-yul's recruitment wasn't over yet.

Nam Tae-min took out his smartphone.

"Even if the chances are low, we are still the most advantageous. We have